News and Insights for Psychiatric Pharmacists

As AI chatbots become more widely used, questions are emerging about how they may affect mental health.

Fewer than half of outpatient facilities for substance use disorder accept Medicare, according to a new HHS report. But low reimbursement rates and difficulty finding mental health workers factor into clinics' ability to care for older adults who need behavioral health care, the report found.

These papers call on state leaders to refocus on SMI and serious emotional disturbances (SED) treatment and recovery— and to renew their commitment to system changes in improving whole-person health.

The primary outcome was change in Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score.

Evidence suggests that patients who lose a primary care physician experience higher emergency department use.

Nicotine vaping is likely to cause lung and oral cancers, a comprehensive review of more than 100 studies has concluded. According to the analysis, human and animal studies, as well as cell experiments looking at the effects of chemicals found in vape liquid, all point toward carcinogenicity. Those studies, published since 2017, record "increasing concern", the researchers report.

These findings suggest that PAT is no more effective than TADs under equal-unblinding conditions for the treatment of depression and highlight the potential role of blinding integrity.

Further research is needed to better characterize kratom’s mechanisms of liver injury and to inform clinical decision-making and public health policy.

These findings provide evidence-based guidance for treatment duration, realistic expectation-setting, and individualized prognosis determination in cannabis use disorder recovery.

The primary study outcomes were ROI ratios and net profits after 3 years in operation.

The Veteran's Health Administration (VHA) is the nation's largest integrated healthcare system. Hear Traci Turner, Pharm.D., BCPP share her experience as an outpatient clinical pharmacist at the VA.

Protect people. Protect communities. #choosepsychpharmacy #pharmd #psychpharm #AAPP

This 2-hour webinar focuses on developing appropriate techniques for answering standardized questions more accurately, identifying common issues in testing that may be hurting your performance, and analyzing your testing performance to improve accuracy, pacing, and endurance. Level up your test-taking skills!

This white paper offers practical recommendations for health care leaders, policymakers, peer support programs, and individuals and families, and covers workforce development, program infrastructure, outreach, outcome measurement and policy reform.

Lessons from 10 FORE Grantees that have expanded access to prevention, treatment, and recovery supports in rural communities.

This Recovery Research Institute summary highlights a cross-sectional analysis of National Survey on Drug Use and Health data showing.

The current evidence base is not sufficient to support the use of cannabis for the treatment of mental health conditions and demonstrates substantial risks of adverse effects.

In this study, the volume of patients treated with buprenorphine increased after private equity acquisition, with minimal changes in the payer mix among these patients.

The colorful packaging and fruity flavors that make nicotine pouches appealing to adults also make them tempting — and dangerous — for kids.

The Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights announced a new civil enforcement program to protect the confidentiality of SUD records for individuals under 42 CFR Part 2. This initiative allows for resolution agreements, monetary settlements, and corrective action plans aligned with HIPAA enforcement standards to address noncompliance and breach notifications.

Dr. Troy Moore, PharmD, MS, BCPP, discusses how to incorporate research into clinical practice post-residency.

AAPP joined 39 other organizations in supporting the POINTS Act. This Act addresses the gambling addiction crisis by allocating federal funding into a competitive, discretionary grant program under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The grant program will support States and Tribal entities in their efforts to establish, improve, or expand programs to prevent, screen, intervene and treat problem gambling and gambling addiction in the U.S. Utilizing 1/3rd of the existing federal excise tax on wagers paid by the gambling industry, the grant program will prioritize those populations most vulnerable to gambling addiction, including men, youth, Native Americans, servicemembers, and veterans. The POINTS Act allows funding for both community and statewide prevention, intervention, and treatment activities including providing specialized outpatient treatment, peer-support, awareness, and other evidence-based interventions to help those in need.

Burnout continues to affect a large portion of the workforce, impacting well-being, job satisfaction, and day-to-day life at work. The 2026 NAMI Workplace Mental Health Poll highlights how common these experiences are—and why support matters. The data also points to what employees say could help, including more access to mental health resources and training around stress and burnout.

A large, new study found that the stimulant methylphenidate, such as the drugs Ritalin and Concerta, may lower the risk of psychosis when prescribed to younger children with ADHD.

A growing proportion of antipsychotic prescriptions for older adults were written by nonphysician clinicians, reflecting shifts in the mental health care workforce and prescribing practices, cross-sectional data showed. From 2013 to 2023, antipsychotic prescription claims for Medicare Part D beneficiaries written by psychiatrists and primary care physicians (PCPs) declined annually by 3.2% and 2.6%, respectively (P<0.001 for both). Prescriptions from advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs), however, rose by 11.8% (P<0.001) each year, reported researchers.

Between 4.9 and 10.1 million people could lose Medicaid coverage in 2028 as the result of new work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks.

AAPP joined the American Society of Addiction Medicine, ASHP, and other healthcare associations in a letter to Representative Houchin encouraging revisions to H.R. 5629 which would increase overdoses and reduce access to evidence-based OUD care, especially in rural areas. We argue that, if enacted as currently drafted, the bill would result in more opioid overdoses, because fewer people would get methadone treatment for OUD, with no improvement in safety for our communities.

These findings emphasize the role of social support and integrated treatment in fostering recovery and inform the design of individualized university recovery programs.

PolySU was pervasive among young people entering AOD treatment.

The primary and key secondary outcomes were illicit opioid abstinence during pregnancy and the postpartum period, respectively, defined as the proportion of weekly collected urine samples negative for illicit opioids.

Results indicate the potential of PrR to capture gradual improvements in quality of life and reflect recovery progress.

This commentary discusses how a sensitive and validated assessment is crucially needed to identify those at risk for intentional opioid overdose.

Through expert guidance, participants will refine their presentation skills and learn how to captivate audiences. This 2-hour program with ACPE credit provides a unique opportunity to gain practical tools to elevate speaking abilities, enhance your expertise and confidence, and make you a standout voice in the field of psychiatric pharmacy. Don't miss this opportunity to learn!

Toolkit on harm reduction provides tips and guideline summaries in the following areas: consequences of injection drug use, harm reduction services, activities, policies, stigma, potential barriers, professional/policy support, resources, and data sources.

Join us for an industry showcase: Managing Depressive, Acute Manic & Mixed Episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder In Adults, supported by AbbVie. Registration is free and open to the public!

AAPP and the AAPP Foundation are pleased to be offering a complimentary, 2-hour workshop: Cultivating Expertise: Enhancing Presentation Design and Speaker Development in Psychiatric Pharmacists. Earn ACPE credit and make yourself a standout voice in the field of psychiatric pharmacy!

If you're unable to travel to Seattle for the Annual Meeting, join us virtually to participate in live sessions! Virtual attendees can ask questions and participate during sessions, and all registrants will receive session recordings for all CE sessions. Plan to attend and stay up to date on your education!

Better days start here. #choosepsychpharmacy #pharmd #psychpharm #AAPP

Improve your peer review skills! Discover the components to evaluate, the role of the peer reviewer, the skills necessary to critically evaluate a manuscript, and how to provide feedback to authors and journal editors.

Join us for an industry showcase: Challenges in Achieving Symptom Control in Major Depressive Disorder: Considering Adjunctive Treatment Options, supported by Johnson & Johnson. Registration is free and open to the public!

AAPP supports the funding of federal programs directed toward tobacco cessation and outlines specific policy recommendations as to the federal funding programs critical to maintain for individuals living with mental health and/or substance use disorders.

AAPP is a member of a pharmacy‑based vaccine access work group composed of national pharmacy organizations. The work group is conducting a survey to gather insights into vaccination practices since June 2025. Feedback will support pharmacy organizations in their advocacy and education efforts. If applicable to your practice, please complete the survey, available through March 31, 2026.

Pharmacists play a variety of roles in academia: as administrators (e.g., deans, department chairs, etc.), educators, clinical practitioners, and researchers. Often a faculty member plays more than one role, depending on their track (non-tenure versus tenure) and department (pharmaceutical sciences versus pharmacy practice).

This review discusses mechanisms that contribute to negative outcomes after mTBI and hazardous alcohol use and to the development of AUD after mTBI.

The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) is now accepting applications for the 2027 BPS Ambassador Program. Board-certified pharmacists interested can apply until June 12, 2026.

AAPP supports access to evidence-based monitoring for youth prescribed antipsychotics and updates to child and adolescent psychotropic prescribing regulations.

As part of the planning for the future of DSM, the Biomarkers and Biological Factors Subcommittee of the Future DSM Strategic Committee was empaneled to begin to bridge the gap between psychiatry and neuroscience and move DSM toward a psychiatric nosological system informed by objective measures.

Survey data suggest that prevalence of cigarette smoking among U.S. adults declined 2023 to 2024.

Join us for an industry showcase: The Role of UZEDY in Schizophrenia Treatment: A Clinical Perspective, supported by Teva Pharmaceuticals. Registration is free and open to the public!

Mental health = team sport. #choosepsychpharmacy #pharmd #psychpharm #AAPP

AAPP President Jolene Bostwick talks about the future and our new strategic plan.

This cohort study found that OPC opening was not associated with significant changes in local economic activity.

A meta-analysis of children and teens found social media use was tied to higher rates of depression, behavioral problems, self-injury, and substance use. (JAMA Pediatrics)

Rising temperatures could trigger over a billion additional "symptom-days" of anxiety and depression annually in the U.S., researchers projected. (Lancet Planetary Health)

Genetics play a role in risk of suicide attempt but do not fully explain the sex differences in incidence, a Swedish cohort study found. (BMJ Mental Health)

On March 19 from 4:00-5:30 PM ET NAMI will host this presentation to provide an overview of catatonia and discuss the various potential causes of catatonia, as well as the many different ways in which the syndrome may manifest.

Data suggest that prevalence of cigarette smoking among U.S. adults declined from 10.8% of the population in 2023 to 9.9% in 2024.

MHFA training in pharmacy professionals is an effective intervention to promote mental health support, increase awareness, reduce stigma, and equip participants to make linkages.

Dr. Taylor Nichols, PharmD, BCPP, explains how to embrace harm reduction.

In this cross-sectional study, US adults with IDDs experienced substantially higher rates of mental health conditions, treatment use, and cost-related barriers compared with those without functional impairments.

These resources provide practical toolkits and clinical guidance.

These findings provide a framework for the long-term evaluation of intervention programs and guiding health care resource allocation to reduce adolescent alcohol consumption.

Removal of transmucosal buprenorphine PA requirements for Kentucky Medicaid enrollees was associated with a significant immediate increase in buprenorphine dispensing for OUD treatment.

Emerging evidence suggests novel OAT induction strategies for fentanyl-related OUD are feasible and show a consistent direction toward positive clinical and safety outcomes.

NAMI has relaunched its #Vote4MentalHealth campaign for the 2026 elections. This nonpartisan campaign is part of NAMI’s long-standing efforts to help people across the country understand that voting and mental health are closely intertwined and find the resources and information they need to cast their ballot. NAMI urges voters to take the pledge to #Vote4MentalHealth, which is a commitment to do one thing: understand how your vote impacts mental health. After taking the pledge, people can learn about the issues, share why they #Vote4MentalHealth, register to vote or update their registration, request an absentee ballot, find their polling place and more — all at vote4mentalhealth.org.

Active theta-burst stimulation beat sham stimulation at reducing depression scores by week 12 -- but not by week 6 -- in people with late-life depression, a randomized clinical trial showed. (American Journal of Psychiatry)

While the majority of patients with first-episode psychosis respond to initial treatment with oral risperidone or amisulpride, clozapine appeared to be the best next step for non-responders in a sequential trial. (JAMA Psychiatry)

Stimulant prescriptions for ADHD surged in adults during the COVID pandemic, a Canadian study found. (CMAJ)

The new platform provides for analyzing adverse event reports.

The Stigma Unraveled/Addiction Unmasked interprofessional workshop prompted meaningful and statistically significant changes in participant beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge.

Policy interventions and pharmacist advocacy are needed to alleviate challenges.

CPPs provided MOUD care that was safe and effective and outcomes were comparable to physicians and nurse practitioners.

The pharmacist-led intervention more than doubled the pharmacologic treatment rate for AUD in primary care.

A dedicated Pain Management CPS with a focus on addiction medicine provides significant clinical and financial value in the inpatient setting.

This blog series by the Resident and New Practitioner Committee is targeted to psychiatric pharmacists seeking their first or a new position. This blog explores opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry.

This study's findings suggest an association between fluoroquinolones and increased risk of panic attacks.

Join us for an industry showcase: Tardive Dyskinesia: Considerations in the Pharmacy Setting, supported by Teva Pharmaceuticals! Registration is free and open to the public!

Toolkit with tips and guideline summaries on opioid use disorder: screening, diagnosis, withdrawal, medications for treatment, overdose prevention education/treatment, special populations, co-occurring disorders, harm reduction strategies, and references.

Earn up to 5.5 ACPE contact hours during this on-demand, seven-part educational series! Webinars are immediately accessible. Register and start today!

Join us for an industry showcase: A Critical Moment in Schizophrenia Care: The Inpatient Opportunity, supported by Bristol Myers Squibb! Registration is free and open to the public!

Not boring science. Smart + creative. #choosepsychpharmacy #pharmd #psychpharm #AAPP

Planning to sit for the BCPP exam? We've got resources! #BCPP #AAPP #examprep #psychpharmacy

Psychiatric pharmacists can be effective members of the healthcare team because they treat the whole patient and understand medications beyond the scope of mental illness. Watch this video and learn more about the psychiatric pharmacy specialty!

Last fall, Washington and other Western states issued their own vaccine recommendations in a sharp rejection of federal policy that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has upended. And on Thursday, the Washington Legislature passed legislation to change state law so that vaccine coverage is tied to recommendations from the state, not a federal panel filled with Kennedy appointees.

AAPP joined the Advanced Professional Workforce Alliance (APWA) and other organizations to comment on the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The letter expresses concerns regarding the proposed definition of “professional degrees” in relation to other graduate degree programs. The concern is that the proposed framework and definition of “professional degrees” does not encompass the range of programs that fit the professional designation. Additionally, AAPP believes the definition change may severely impact individuals being able to join the behavioral health workforce where staffing shortages already exist.

This blog series by the Resident and New Practitioner Committee is targeted to psychiatric pharmacists seeking their first or a new position. This blog explores opportunities in academia.

Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists was consistently associated with reduced risks of developing various incident SUDs, suggesting a broad preventive effect across multiple substance types.

Psych pharmacists stand up for the unseen. That’s powerful. #choosepsychpharmacy #pharmd #psychpharm #AAPP

AAPP's newest member profile showcases psychiatric pharmacist impact through a psychotropic stewardship program demonstrating optimization of medication therapy for high-risk and clinically complex patients.

If you missed any of the previous Resident Journal Club presentations or would like to revisit a session, recordings are available for you to listen and review at your convenience. Once registered, you can access the recordings, presentations, and article links on the Journal Club page.

Kennedy has continued to spread misinformation and push politicised agendas at the expense of the country’s most vulnerable.

The AAPP Residents and New Practitioners Committee is pleased to provide a suggested reading list of the top references as a service and as a forum for member discussion. Consider these resources as a foundation for your reference library.

Studying for the BCPP exam? Test your knowledge with our 150-question mock exam! #psychpharmacy #BCPP #AAPP #BPS #boardcertification

In our newest member profile showcasing psychiatric pharmacist impact, learn how Dr. Kesoma Holcomb worked with her health system to create an opioid and psychotropic stewardship program that continues to optimize medication therapy for high-risk and clinically complex patients who are medically ill and have co-occurring mental health and chronic pain conditions.

The toolkit outlines strategies for promoting early identification and intervention, improving access through service coordination and integration, and building workforce capacity to meet children’s behavioral health needs. It also provides an overview of key behavioral health services and models of care, along with resources to support state implementation of EPSDT requirements.

NAMI has worked with experts to create 23 flexible lessons about mental health literacy for middle school classrooms. Supporting early intervention is one of the best ways to address the youth mental health crisis. Learn more and ask your local schools to add mental health literacy to their curriculum.

Stream this expert-led discussion on the expanding role of digital therapeutics in treating mental health conditions. Watch the recording and stay ahead in this fast-evolving field! Visit the course page to watch the webinar or learn more and register.

A randomized clinical trial of 59 male participants with opioid use disorder found that those receiving 10 supervised yoga sessions over 14 days alongside standard buprenorphine treatment had achieved withdrawal stabilization 4.4 times faster than controls, with median stabilization occurring in five days compared to nine.

A study that surveyed college students tested whether alcohol and cannabis co-use and cannabis use characteristics (frequency and quantity) relate to different levels of heavy drinking. Heavy drinking was more common on co-use days than alcohol-only days (33% higher odds of heavy episodic and 52% higher odds of high-intensity vs. moderate).

A research summary from the Recovery Research Institute highlights a Phase 2 randomized clinical trial testing the efficacy of heart rate variability biofeedback, a breathing-based intervention, in reducing stress-related craving and substance use among people in remission.

A majority of participants supported psychedelics as a treatment and would accept receiving psychedelics as a treatment.

New research published in JAMA Network Open found a correlation between China’s crackdowns on illicit fentanyl precursor chemicals and the recent decline in U.S. overdose deaths, suggesting that Chinese regulatory enforcement may have disrupted the supply chain driving the opioid crisis.

In this survey study of clinician-reported problems initiating BUP treatment, clinicians working in high-volume noninpatient settings reported more problems initiating BUP in patients using fentanyl, and many reported changing their clinical practices in response to these problems.

Through this Consensus Statement, the Task Force identified circumstances in which the selective elimination of certain psychotropic medications may be clinically indicated.

The Brookings Institution released a white paper examining how the Drug Enforcement Administration’s quota and inventory controls impact certain drug shortages.

Three updated KFF analyses examine the latest trends in deaths from opioid overdoses, suicide and alcohol, using newly released final data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Psych pharmacists explain meds. Patients take control. #choosepsychpharmacy #pharmd #psychpharm #AAPP

The board of pharmacy specialties identifies pharmacists who are qualified for advanced practice based on rigorous standards. Learn more about the path to becoming a board certified psychiatric pharmacist (BCPP).

Practice, practice, practice! The 150-question mock exam lets you test your knowledge, pacing, and endurance before sitting for the BCPP certification exam. #BCPP #AAPP #examprep #psychpharmacy

This blog series by the Resident and New Practitioner Committee is targeted to psychiatric pharmacists seeking their first or a new position. This blog explores opportunities in community health systems.

This free Comprehensive Medication Management (CMM) guide provides webinars introducing CMM and helpful tools for implementing CMM.

Struggling ➝ stable ➝ thriving. Psych pharmacists make it happen. #choosepsychpharmacy #pharmd #psychpharm #AAPP

"Pharmacy school taught us how to manage complex pharmacotherapy, but it did not teach us how to budget, navigate major financial decisions, or invest. These are the financial lessons I wish I learned earlier in my career, because even a little awareness from the start can prevent a lot of stress later."

AAPP recently published a statement of support for plaintiffs in American Academy of Pediatrics et al. v. Kennedy Jr., et al. Login to read the support letter and to see all recent comment letters.

In AAPP's two new practice setting videos, Jacqueline Parizher, PharmD, reviews her role and impact as an outreach pharmacist working on the ground with individuals living with substance use disorders while Kesoma Holcomb, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP, explains her role in combining internal medicine with opioid and psychotropic stewardship.

AAPP is pleased to announce an additional AAPP Student Chapter bringing the total number of student chapters to 48! University of Florida, advised by AAPP member John Markowitz, PharmD, is the newest student chapter. Congratulations and welcome to AAPP Collegiate Chapter at University of Florida!

"One of the most important lessons I have learned is that professional development does not depend on having a specific title or years of clinical experience but instead depends on early intention and curiosity."

Mental Health Clinician (MHC) is a valuable resource for psychiatric practitioners and researchers and contributors are key to its success. Please visit the linked MHC webpage to recognize all of the individuals honored.

These results suggest that overdose prevention centers are cost-saving upstream interventions to mitigate injection-related infections and hospitalizations.

In this retrospective analysis of a large EHR dataset, they found that following the elimination of the X-waiver, the incidence of new OUD diagnoses declined by 2%, while subsequent buprenorphine initiation increased by 14%.

These findings suggest that health systems can use this favorable incremental cost per quit and transparent cost estimation to promote wider implementation of the intervention.

CPE Monitor Plus is an upgraded feature within the ACPE CPE Monitor system that provides you with a more robust and personalized way to manage your professional development. It allows you to access your comprehensive CPE transcript on demand, receive proactive notifications about your license renewal dates, and helps you see how your completed CPE activities align with your specific licensure requirements. The Plus plan is $12 a year.

The report and webinar examine current approaches to integrating SUD prevention with physical health care at the state level including implementation, financing, partnerships, challenges, and support needs, particularly for adolescents, and where states are in the implementation of services. Expanding access to Preventing substance misuse, abuse, and addiction is one of the core strategic priorities for SAMHSA and aligns closely with the Make America Healthy Again initiative.

Pharmacist education includes patient assessment, differential diagnosis, laboratory testing, drug administration and prescribing.

This study found that barriers and facilitators to LDI completion were linked to five COM-B model components: physical capability, physical opportunity, social opportunity, reflective motivation, and automatic motivation.

Nearly 200 abstracts will be featured at the AAPP 2026 Annual Meeting. Posters will be displayed Monday, April 20-Tueday, April 21, 2026. Congratulations to the eight (8) award finalists in the running for five AAPP research awards in 2026. Award finalists will present their abstracts during the platform presentations on Sunday, April 19, at AAPP 2026. Winners for all categories will be announced on Monday, April 20, 2026.

Every brain = different. Psych pharmacists customize the treatment plan. #choosepsychpharmacy #pharmd #psychpharm #AAPP

The AAPP Foundation is pleased to announce Melanie Rovelo, PharmD, as the 2026 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Travel Grant recipient.

Findings indicate that the male to female ratio for ASD has decreased over time and with increasing age at diagnosis.

The National Community Pharmacists Association has summarized the federal reforms to pharmacy benefit manager practices signed into law via the recent funding bill signed by President Trump. The measures are contained in a bill to fund the Department of Health and Human Services. The new law requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to define and enforce “reasonable and relevant” Medicare Part D contract terms, and gives enforcement authority; promotes transparency by allowing CMS to track payment trends to pharmacies and pharmacy inclusion in PBM networks, including a new designation of essential retail pharmacies; and prohibits PBM compensation in Medicare Part D from being tied to the manufacturer’s list price of a drug in an effort to reduce drug prices and save money for taxpayers.

Zoe A. Karavolis, PharmD, MPH, BCPP and Aaron Salwan, PharmD, MPH, BCPP are the recipients of the first AAPP Early Practitioner Award which recognizes the efforts of psychiatric pharmacists in the first 5 years of practice. Drs. Karavolis and Salwan have demonstrated commitment to AAPP and its mission and contributed to the advancement of psychiatric pharmacy practice through research, publications, presentations, mentoring, and the development of new psychiatric pharmacy practices or programs.

Science that helps people. That’s the job of a psych pharmacist. #choosepsychpharmacy #pharmd #psychpharm #AAPP

This blog series by the Resident and New Practitioner Committee is targeted to psychiatric pharmacists seeking their first or a new position. Throughout the spring of 2026, this series will feature interviews with hiring managers in various types of settings.

High-dose antipsychotic use and APP was common in this U.S. state psychiatric hospital.

Since the FDA ended the Clozapine REMS last February, some clinicians have embraced new Delphi guidelines that reduce monitoring frequency—while access to the medication has remained limited.

A reanalysis of the data revealed errors and failed to replicate the results.

Thanks to generous AAPP Foundation donors and the AAPP Past Presidents' Destiny Fund, 33 PharmD students were awarded full, in-person student registration grants to AAPP 2026! Congratulations to each of the recipients.

This commentary explores implications for addiction treatment.

At the 9.6 g dose, iSTEP-N provided sustained therapeutic naltrexone exposure for 12 weeks with a favorable safety profile, while releasing less than one-fourth of its drug content.

Receipt of inpatient MOUD was associated with a statistically significant reduction in PDD among those with OUD and without evidence of MOUD before admission when compared with propensity-matched admissions which did not receive inpatient MOUD.

Policies supporting MAUD-providing facilities may be needed to address persistent gaps in access.

This toolkit provides tips and guidance in the following areas of Buprenorphine Initiation: Buprenorphine Treatment, Traditional Buprenorphine Initiation, Low Dose Overlap Initiation, Special Populations, Harm Reduction, Helpful Resources, and References

Psychiatric pharmacists can be involved in a number of clinical services involving therapy modification that is stated within a collaborative practice agreement with a physician. This may include initiating/monitoring/continuing/adjusting medications, injection services, device management, side effect management, and laboratory follow-up. These models can align incentives for patients, providers and payors that improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

Have you considered starting a new PGY-2 Psychiatric Pharmacy residency program at your facility but have no idea where to begin? Here are some considerations and starting points to help the process feel less overwhelming.

Check out AAPP's newest policy brief stating our support for the evidence-based treatment of autism spectrum disorder based on an accurate assessment of the available data.

AAPP issues policy recommendations supporting access to psychiatric pharmacy care for foster care youth. AAPP urges each state to include BCPP(s) on the foster care team and state DUR committees and urges CMS to provide best practice guidance to states.

Exams can be daunting. Let us help! Register for the Developing Effective Test-Taking Skills webinar to sharpen your skills. #BCPP #examprep #psychpharmacy #AAPP

Findings suggest that patient characteristics associated with buprenorphine initiation may differ by health care setting. However, retention among subgroups of patients appears similar across settings.

AAPP has recently released a summary of recommended policy actions to support access to trauma-informed care for all youth in foster care and access to psychotropics for those with co-occurring mental health conditions. Additionally, the recommendations call for updates to foster care psychotropic prescribing regulations. Policy recommendations urge that each state include BCPP(s) on the foster care team as well as on any state DUR committee. AAPP additionally urges CMS to provide guidance to states on best practices, including increasing support for collaborative telemedicine services. Please distribute this policy ask as you engage in your own advocacy.

Check out AAPP's newest policy brief stating our support for the evidence-based treatment of autism spectrum disorder based on an accurate assessment of the available data.

Findings suggest that patient characteristics associated with buprenorphine initiation may differ by health care setting. However, retention among subgroups of patients appears similar across settings.

These findings suggest that the US public continues to view opioid overdose as a serious and stigmatized condition.

Peer reviewing is not just for senior clinicians and academics. When you peer review, you are participating in an important gatekeeping role...and the endeavor is a worthy one.

AAPP joined with fellow members of the Pharmacy-Based Vaccine Access Work Group to support the importance of vaccines and the role of the pharmacist.

Understand common myths about nicotine and smoking cessation through AAPP’s toolkit.

This blog series by the Resident and New Practitioner Committee is targeted to psychiatric pharmacists seeking their first or a new position. Throughout the spring of 2026, this series will feature interviews with hiring managers in various types of settings.

This blog series by the Resident and New Practitioner Committee is targeted to psychiatric pharmacists seeking their first or a new position. Throughout the spring of 2026, this series will feature interviews with hiring managers in various types of settings.

Dr. Amy VandenBerg, PharmD, BCPP, discusses how to manage drug-seeking behavior.

Check out AAPP’s newest toolkit dedicated to dispelling myths about nicotine and smoking cessation. A special thanks to authors Danial Chowdhury, Michael Kotlyar, Annette Percy, Raeschell Williams, and Zoe Karavolis.

This pharmacist toolkit provides quick tips on an overview, HCV medications quick references, drug interactions of Hepatitis C Virus treatments, and references.

New data are emerging, but by no means definitive, that alcohol consumption and binge drinking among adults in the United States (US) have begun a recent decline just in the past 2 to 3 years.

The concept of addiction, traditionally confined to substances such as drugs and alcohol, has expanded to encompass behavioral patterns such as compulsive eating

The AAPP Foundation continues to proudly support the AAPP Outcomes Initiative with a second $250,000 research grant. This 2025 grant has been awarded to study the impact of care by psychiatric pharmacists on the treatment of depression. The project, “Alternate Prescriber Type - Depression Management (Trial APT-DM): Impact of Psychiatric Pharmacist on Major Depressive Disorder in Primary Care,” will be led by Co-Principal Investigators, Dr. Nathaniel Rickles (UConn School of Pharmacy), Dr. Wilner Samson (Hartford Healthcare), and Dr. Charles Caley (Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences). Congratulations to the researchers! And thanks to all psychiatric pharmacists for their work treating patients with depression!

Thirty Fellows have been selected to the second class of FAAPPs. The AAPP Fellows Program recognizes members who have demonstrated excellence in advancing the practice of psychiatric pharmacy and distinguished themselves in advancing the mission and goals of AAPP, thereby promoting public awareness of the profession.

Here are 10 recent scientific developments.

Learn the workings of a career in academia from Shari Allen, Pharm.D., BCPP!

Despite strong training, new psychiatric pharmacists will encounter challenging trainees throughout their career. Here are 5 guidelines to prevent rotation problems.

#AAPP2026 Spotlight: Psychiatric and Neurologic Medication Pipeline, presented by Stephen R. Saklad, PharmD, BCPP. In this session, participants will learn about therapeutic advances in new and emerging psychiatric and neurologic medications and how these agents fit into current clinical practice. Join us at the 2026 AAPP Annual Meeting in Bellevue, WA, on Seattle’s Eastside, for this session! #AAPP #psychpharmacy #acpe #bcpp #bcpmp

Current evidence does not indicate a clinically important increase in the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children of pregnant individuals who use paracetamol as directed, supporting existing recommendations on its safety.

Founding member and Past President Julie Dopheide, PharmD, BCPP has been named the recipient of the Warren E. Weaver/Richard P. Penna Award from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties. This award is for individual persons recognized for having made outstanding voluntary contributions to the advancement of BPS board certification of pharmacists. As noted by Tien M.H. Ng, PharmD, BCPS, FHFSA, FACC, FCCP, “Dr. Dopheide was among the leaders who worked toward getting psychiatric pharmacy approved as a recognized BPS specialty back in the early 1990’s,” and she has “maintained her certification continuously, and has enthusiastically promoted the value of board certification locally and nationally.” Congratulations Julie!

These findings add to the growing international literature highlighting how drug policy contradicts expert assessments of drug harms across nations.

Varenicline has demonstrated efficacy in supporting e-cigarette cessation, whereas the current evidence for NRT and cytisine remains insufficient to draw firm conclusions.

In this randomized clinical trial including 436 participants with moderate to severe opioid use disorder, both the 100-mg and 300-mg maintenance doses improved opioid abstinence and were well tolerated without any new safety signals. In post hoc analyses, the 300-mg dose performed better than the 100-mg dose among participants who used fentanyl daily, 14 times or more per week, or both.

In this survey study, the majority of 396 clinicians surveyed (72.0%) reported encountering problems initiating buprenorphine treatment among patients using fentanyl in the past year, and 67.3% reported modifying their standard induction protocols.

#AAPP2026 Spotlight: The Bup Bulletin: Navigating Updates to Prescribing, presented by Lindsey Garner, PharmD, MBA, BCPS, BCPP. Treatment guidelines for psychiatric and neurologic conditions continue to advance, impacting how care is delivered and requiring psychiatric pharmacists to stay alert to new evidence. Psychiatric pharmacists will gain actionable insights to inform pharmacologic decision-making and confidently integrate new recommendations into everyday practice. Join us at the 2026 AAPP Annual Meeting in Bellevue, WA, on Seattle’s Eastside, for this session! #AAPP #psychpharmacy #acpe #bcpp #bcpmp

#AAPP2026 Spotlight: Differences in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI), Passive and Active Suicidal Ideation, presented by Ashley Perkins, PharmD. Accurately distinguishing between non-suicidal self-injury, passive suicidal ideation, and active suicidal ideation is essential for effective suicide risk assessment and intervention. This session will clarify key definitions, explore the clinical differences between these behaviors and thought patterns, and highlight evidence-based screening tools used to identify and respond to each. Join us at the 2026 AAPP Annual Meeting in Bellevue, WA, on Seattle’s Eastside, for this session! #AAPP #psychpharmacy #acpe #bcpp #bcpmp

Avoiding difficult conversations can lead to stress, reduced engagement, and low morale. Dr. Maria Blaze shares important tips to help you navigate.

#AAPP2026 Spotlight: The Bup Bulletin: Navigating Updates to Prescribing, presented by Zachary Hill, PharmD, BCPP, MA. Buprenorphine prescribing continues to evolve, with recent updates to initiation guidance for extended-release subcutaneous formulations and growing interest in micro- and macro-dosing strategies. This session will review key changes in product labeling, outline core dosing principles across formulations, and examine emerging evidence to inform safe and effective treatment of opioid use disorder. Join us at the 2026 AAPP Annual Meeting in Bellevue, WA, on Seattle’s Eastside, for this session! #AAPP #psychpharmacy #acpe #bcpp #bcpmp

AAPP member Kelly Lee has co-authored an important work in AJHP on National trends in pharmacist and pharmacy technician suicide: Incidence and associated features.

Each 30-minute webinar offers a dynamic, peer-driven discussion focused on complex substance use disorder cases. Free to AAPP members! Click the link to learn more and register.

AAPP Board member Danielle Stutzman, PharmD, BCPP, represented psychiatric pharmacy in expressing concerns about study's potential to perpetuate stigmatization of vaccines and, in particular, ASD.

#AAPP2026 Spotlight: The Mind-Body Connection: Integrating Psychiatric and Holistic Care in Fibromyalgia Management, presented by Emily Leppien, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP. This session will equip psychiatric pharmacists with the knowledge to recognize fibromyalgia symptoms, understand its neurobiological underpinnings, and evaluate both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment strategies. Join us at the 2026 AAPP Annual Meeting in Bellevue, WA, on Seattle’s Eastside, for this session! #AAPP #psychpharmacy #acpe #bcpp #bcpmp

These free articles are intended to provide advice from experts for students, residents, and new practitioners.

Dr. Sadie Roestenburg, PharmD, BCPS, talks about managing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).