News and Insights for Psychiatric Pharmacists

Glean information and insights from AAPP’s toolkit on Pain Management Pearls for Patients with Chronic Pain or Opioid Use Disorder, our newest valuable resource.

Support the next generation of leaders in psychiatric pharmacy. A $500/month donation funds Collegiate Chapter Impact Grants, which empower student pharmacists to grow as innovators, researchers, and advocates for mental health. Your investment can help shape the future. #AAPPFoundation #AdvancingPsychPharmacy

In the final days of American #PhamacistMonth, we want to shout out all Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists! AAPP is proud to support aspiring BCPPs and to help BCPPs maintain their credentials.

Dr. Megan Ehret, PharmD, MS, BCPP, explains how to balance your employment expectations with your personal career goals.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has directed Medicare Administrative Contractors to lift the hold currently in place on some claims with service dates occurring after Oct. 1. This includes telehealth claims that the agency “can confirm are definitively for behavioral and mental health services.” The agency says it will continue to temporarily hold claims for other telehealth services. Many pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities expired Oct. 1, including coverage for home-based and non-rural services. As a reminder, without congressional action to extend telehealth flexibilities, an in-person (i.e., not telehealth) visit is now required within six months prior to a patient receiving their first mental health telehealth service, along with an annual in-person visit requirement for established patients. CMS states it does not believe this requirement applies to beneficiaries who began receiving mental health telehealth services in their homes prior to Oct. 1, 2025. Statutory requirements also exempt telehealth services for someone with a diagnosis of SUD or co-occurring conditions from this requirement. CMS has published a Telehealth Factsheet, along with a Telehealth FAQ updated Oct. 15, 2025.

The 3/6/25 #JournalClub (1/2) presented "Single-Dose Psilocybin for Depression With Severe Treatment Resistance: An Open-Label Trial." The recording is available free to all AAPP members.

The first systematic review to examine PrEP interventions among PWUD and identify strategies to enhance adherence.

AAPP supports access to behavioral interventions, including parent training in behavior management, and stimulant treatment for youth with functionally impairing symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as the most effective treatment for ADHD given their associated improvement in academic, social, and developmental functioning. Psychiatric pharmacists are encouraged to use this policy brief to support your own advocacy for this gold-standard treatment.

This is your chance to get involved with the important work being done by AAPP committees and editorial boards. Through December 1, AAPP will be accepting applications for volunteer openings anticipated for the 2026-2027 committee year which starts March/April. Selections will be made and announced no later than January 2026 with a volunteer start date to be announced for March/April 2026. Apply today!

This study provides empirical support for the theory that AVH are related to abnormalities in the normative suppressive mechanisms associated with inner speech.

An Associated Press investigation found that the wave of legislation has cropped up in most states, pushed by people with close ties to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

In this study, individuals with psychosis reported a large increase in current cannabis use following legalization and commercialization of cannabis in their state, and by larger amounts than previously reported estimates of the general population.

An increase in APC was associated with an increase in the suicide mortality rate at the population level and that the association was similar across sexes.

These findings provide evidence for a relationship between all types of alcohol use and increased dementia risk.

BPS has announced the approval of AAPP as a professional development program (PDP) providers for the contract period beginning January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030. AAPP will deliver dually certified educational activities for pharmacists certified in pain and psychiatry in partnership with the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the Society of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacists (SPPCP), and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP).

The AAPP membership has elected three officers to serve on the 2026-2028 Board of Directors. Assuming their offices effective July 1, 2026, will be Drs. Austin Campbell, Julie Cunningham and Bethany DiPaula. These 3 new members will join Drs. Jolene Bostwick, Kelly Gable, Suzanne Harris and Danielle Stutzman on the Board for 2026-2027.

The Global status report on neurology presents the first comprehensive global assessment of the public health response to neurological disorders under the Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders 2022–31 (IGAP).

The American Psychiatric Association has released an updated guideline for preventing and treating delirium. The previous guideline was published in 1999 with a minor revision in 2010. The updated guideline includes steps aimed at prevention and has a broader scope, targeting not only psychiatrists but also specialists in internal medicine, family medicine, and critical care nursing.

Thanks to member authors Julie Cunningham and Tanya Uritsky, AAPP is pleased to offer this toolkit on Pain Management Pearls for Patients with Chronic Pain or Opioid Use Disorder. The toolkit includes general clinical pearls, information on managing pain and co-occurring MOUD, perinatal pain in patients prescribed MOUD, postpartum opioid-induced respiratory events, and discussion of chronic pain management with a focus on buprenorphine.

During #PharmacistMonth, let’s take a moment to celebrate all the incredible individuals who support psych pharmacists! Tag a member of your care team that you appreciate. #APhM2025 #psychpharmacy

The AAPP Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 11th annual Defining the Future Research Grant Awards: Saira Pacheco, PharmD Student, Western University of Health Sciences; Seo Young Park, PharmD, PGY2 Resident, Montefiore Nyack Hospital; Jack Smith, PharmD Student, Wayne State University; Amber Tran, PharmD, PGY2 Resident, Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital; Mina Wolfe, PharmD, Consultant Pharmacist, North Carolina Association of Pharmacists. Read the full press release!

Ready to lead the way in psychotropic LAI implementation? This 6-part educational series equips learners with advanced knowledge across clinical care, patient engagement, leadership advocacy, and financial sustainability. #LAIs #psychiatricpharmacy #CE

Your support makes a measurable difference. A $1,000/month donation funds research that helps integrate psychiatric pharmacists into mental health care teams—improving outcomes for patients and the profession. Now is the time to invest in your field. #AAPPFoundation #AdvancingPsychPharmacy

AAPP supports access to behavioral interventions and stimulant treatment for youth with functionally impairing symptoms of ADHD. Use AAPP’s policy brief to advocate for this gold-standard treatment.

At VA Healthcare Systems, psychiatric pharmacists manage medications for military Veterans in outpatient clinics. Under a broad scope of practice (including controlled substance prescribing), psychiatric pharmacists meet one-on-one with Veterans to design personalized treatment plans that optimize symptom control while minimizing side effects.

AAPP supports the continued availability of SSRIs as an option for treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety. Any concerns regarding risks of antidepressant use in this population must be weighed against the risks associated with suboptimal management of psychiatric symptoms. Psychiatric pharmacists are encouraged to use this policy brief to support your own advocacy for this gold-standard treatment.

Young LGBTQ+ people are experiencing worse mental health symptoms, more exposure to conversion therapy, and less access to mental health care, according to an interim report from the Trevor Project.

Guiding principles for state policy on pharmacy personnel-administered vaccines issued by pharmacy vaccine workgroup.

AAPP shares NAMI’s concerns with additional layoffs at SAMHSA and other federal agencies which run programs helping people with mental health conditions. These cuts, coupled with earlier rounds of layoffs and retirements, mean that SAMHSA has reportedly lost nearly two-thirds of its workforce since January. AAPP agrees that such drastic staffing changes threaten to disrupt the availability of the lifesaving resources managed through these agencies.

NAMI’s Federal Shutdown Guide outlines what is known about operations for federal health care and social services that people with mental illness rely on. The guide will be updated as new or additional information becomes available or a deal is reached to re-open the federal government.

A pharmacy-based Vaccine Access Work Group, consisting of representatives from a diverse group of 13 organizations across pharmacy practice settings (including AAPP), jointly published guiding principles for state policy on pharmacy personnel–administered vaccines. This marks an unprecedented level of collaboration between pharmacy professionals, symbolizing a strong commitment from the field of pharmacy to national public health interests. In many states, the authority for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy interns to administer vaccines is tied directly to recommendations from federal bodies such as the CDC, ACIP, and/or the FDA. As federal processes evolve, recommendations change, and advisory structures shift. Such references can create unintended legal and regulatory ambiguity, reduce flexibility, and delay access to newly authorized and existing vaccines. The core principles proposed in this document aim to address ambiguity in state policymaking regarding pharmacy personnel–administered vaccines, ultimately improving access to essential vaccinations for all Americans and providing guidance for structuring payment for pharmacist-provided services.

The primary goal of the TNT PC-TEAM fellowship is to provide mentorship and teaching skills in the area of addiction medicine. Trainees will learn in both small and large group settings, with a focus on how to teach information and skills learned to providers in their region. The target audiences for the program are MDs, DOs, NPs and PAs. Learn more and apply by Oct. 31, 2025.

AAPP member Kelly Gable reflects on her personal breast cancer journey and advocates for change in a recent article published in the Journal of Patient Experience.

The AAPP Foundation has awarded over $70,000 in research grants and educational support in 2025! We need your support to reach our goal of raising $75,000 to continue these important programs. Help us shape the future of psychiatric pharmacy through these important projects with a donation today.

Pregnant women with OUD face barriers including stigma, childcare demands, provider bias, training gaps, fragmented care, financial and insurance issues, and punitive policies.

Routine pain severity monitoring may provide valuable insight into patient trajectories and support more tailored treatment approaches in OUD.

Pharmacists in several states have recently gained the authority to prescribe for opioid use disorder (OUD). But outdated DEA registration processes were creating roadblocks to pharmacists. AAPP joined other pharmacy associations and states in reaching out, and DEA has responded and agreed to review and update its registration process to reflect pharmacists’ authority under state law. This means fewer barriers for pharmacists and better access to care for patients.

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.

From inpatient strategies and complex case management to profitability and curriculum integration, this six-part program covers everything pharmacists need to lead with confidence in LAI care. #PatientCare #LAIs #psychiatricpharmacy #CE

Advance your profession and help drive innovation in psychiatric pharmacy. Over the past year, the AAPP Foundation has awarded over $70,000 in grant funding to support impactful projects that demonstrate the value of psychiatric pharmacists. Help us keep this momentum going. Consider making a donation today. #AAPPFoundation #AdvancingPsychPharmacy

AAPP supports the availability of SSRIs as treatment option for moderate to severe symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety with appropriate weighing of all risks and benefits. Use AAPP’s policy brief to advocate for this gold-standard treatment.

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

Happy American Pharmacists Month! Tag a psych pharmacist colleague that you want to celebrate. #psychpharm #APhM2025

The 3/6/25 #JournalClub (2/2) presented "Masked Taper With Behavioral Intervention for Discontinuation of Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonists: A Randomized Clinical Trial." The recording is available free to all AAPP members.

About a third of users say they use it to treat mental or physical health issues.

AAPP supports access to mood stabilizers, including lithium, for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Psychiatric pharmacists are encouraged to use this policy brief to support your own advocacy for this gold-standard treatment.

This free collection of essentials provides resources, references, and clinical pearls for practitioners beginning to practice in psychiatry.

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.

There has been confusion and controversy about the appropriate clinical goals for the use of medications such as methadone and buprenorphine. A key question has been when, if ever, to taper and discontinue medication.

This review aims to describe approaches taken by programs in non-clinical settings by identifying key components of delivery models, implementation barriers and facilitators, and outcomes.

A practical guide for providing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and immediate care for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) in primary care and other ambulatory care settings.

Dr. Raeschell Williams, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP, explains how to discuss illicit or non-prescription drug use with patients.

AAPP supports access to mood stabilizers, including lithium, for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Use AAPP’s policy brief to support your own advocacy for this gold-standard treatment (member only resource).

Whether you're improving transitions of care, managing special populations, or building a profitable clinic - this program has you covered! Register now and gain up to 9 CE credits by completing modules of interest. #LAI

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

Join us as we unravel the complexities of LAIs! Our Advanced LAI Training Program will equip participants with the tools necessary to lead, innovate, and advance LAI patient care and clinic management. #PatientCare #LAIs #psychiatricpharmacy #CE

Pharmacy careers change lives. Learn if a job as a pharmacist is right for you and how you can help people live better, healthier lives. #Pharmacy #PsychPharm

There is a shortage of psychiatric pharmacy providers, and patients have unmet needs that can be filled by these individuals. AAPP's position paper describes the expertise and skills of psychiatric pharmacists and the associated positive outcomes for patients with these disorders. This paper also outlines barriers to the provision of services by psychiatric pharmacists and presents action items aimed at effecting change. Read this position paper to learn more about the value of psychiatric pharmacists as part of the health care team. We hope you will consider exploring psychiatric pharmacy for your career.

The CMS Innovation Center recently released evaluation reports and publications related to the MOM Model, a patient-centered service delivery model that aims to improve the quality of care for pregnant and postpartum Medicaid beneficiaries with opioid use disorder (OUD) and their infants. The reports acknowledge that MOM Model beneficiaries faced complex and overlapping health, behavioral and social challenges that demanded flexible, trauma-informed care. The reports cite promising practices emerging that demonstrate how states can advance integrated care for pregnant and postpartum individuals with opioid use disorder in Medicaid by aligning services with patients’ full range of medical, behavioral and social needs.

AAPP supports the use of antipsychotics as the first line treatment for acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia, with individual agent and route of administration selected based on patient-specific factors. Psychiatric pharmacists are encouraged to use this policy brief to support your own advocacy for this gold-standard treatment.

It is time to update the directory of Psychiatric Pharmacy Residency Programs. We want your help to self-identify if you participate in residencies. By adding your information to the site, you can raise the visibility of your program among those with a strong interest in psychiatric pharmacy. NEW fields allow you to include your recruitment open-house information.

AAPP members Michelle Geier, PharmD, APh, BCPP, FAAPP; Michelle Colvard, PharmD, BCPP; and Rebecca Hoss, PharmD, BCPP represented AAPP and psychiatric pharmacy in presenting a session on the important role of psychiatric pharmacists in treating and engaging patients with MOUD. Speakers detailed their practice models and the significant impact they make as psychiatric pharmacists in various settings including in public health, an outpatient SUD clinic, and a hospital system. We appreciate their contributions and advocacy on behalf of psychiatric pharmacy.

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.

ASAM has expanded its benzodiazepine tapering resource suite to support clinicians and patients.

There are over 700,000 pharmacists, technicians, and student pharmacists, and each one is dedicated to improving public health by providing vital services and keeping their communities safe. We are so proud of our members, and this month we celebrate you!

AAPP supports the use of antipsychotics as the first line treatment for acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia. Use AAPP’s policy brief to support your own advocacy for this gold-standard treatment (member only resource).

This toolkit provides a resource for recognizing, understanding, and managing episodes of agitation and forms of aggression encountered in clinical practice.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration initiated the process for a label change for acetaminophen (Tylenol and similar products) to reflect evidence suggesting that the use of acetaminophen by pregnant women may be associated with an increased risk of neurological conditions such as autism and ADHD in children. The agency also issued a related letter alerting physicians nationwide.

AAPP supports access to antidepressants for youth with moderate to severe symptoms of a depressive, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive-based disorder and reconsideration of the boxed warning on new-onset suicidal thoughts/behaviors given its many unintended consequences and role in accelerating stigma. Psychiatric pharmacists are encouraged to use this policy brief to support your own advocacy for this gold-standard treatment.

The value and impact of psychiatric pharmacists takes center stage in this HealthWell Foundation feature article.

In early November, AAPP will be launching a 5.5 hour educational series on clozapine. Grant funded in partnership with the Schizophrenia & Psychosis Alliance, this program seeks to educate clinicians and expand the use of clozapine. News of this grant has also promoted the role of psychiatric pharmacists as seen in this article on HealthWell Foundation’s website. HealthWell is a non-profit that provides financial assistance for insurance and medications for illnesses such as schizophrenia. A special thanks for AAPP President Jolene Bostwick for so eloquently describing the value and impact of psychiatric pharmacists.

AAPP members Michelle Geier, PharmD, APh, BCPP, FAAPP; Michelle Colvard, PharmD, BCPP; and Rebecca Hoss, PharmD, BCPP represented AAPP and psychiatric pharmacy in presenting a session on the important role of psychiatric pharmacists in treating and engaging patients with MOUD. Speakers detailed their practice models and the significant impact they make as psychiatric pharmacists in various settings including in public health, an outpatient SUD clinic, and a hospital system. We appreciate their contributions and advocacy on behalf of psychiatric pharmacy.

Persisting high rates of mental health disorders in patients in opioid agonist treatment—Results from a 6-year longitudinal study

Use of stigmatizing language related to substance use disorders in media: A systematic review

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder in County Jails — Outcomes after Release

This study provides the first evidence that CM use in real-world health care settings is associated with reduced risk of mortality.

Richard J. Silvia, PharmD, BCPP discusses ways to communicate risks vs benefits of OTCs in patients with anxiety.

AAPP supports access to antidepressants for youth with moderate to severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or OCD and reconsideration of the suicide boxed warning. Use AAPP’s policy brief to advocate for this gold-standard treatment.

Access valuable psychiatric treatment guideline and clinical pearl resources at AAPP

Collaborative practice agreements permit clinical pharmacists to provide expanded healthcare services to patients. Learn more in this 11-minute video.

Our newly launched, member-protected Policy Statements and Briefs webpage details AAPP’s stance on over 35 topics surrounding access to care, gold standard treatments, and needed policies to support access to care and psychiatric pharmacists. These policy statements are further supported by our advocacy fact sheets and 7 policy briefs, a new set of resources authored by our Rapid Action Task Force. Please check out these new resources and provide your feedback directly from the webpage.

Last week, the Senate passed a reauthorization of the SUPPORT Act in a rare show of bipartisanship. The SUPPORT Act reauthorizes key prevention, treatment and recovery programs for patients with substance use disorder, including programs to support the behavioral health workforce. Among the reauthorized programs are the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program, helping bolster the workforce by providing loan repayment opportunities for SUD treatment and recovery providers in the face of severe workforce shortages — as well as critical recovery efforts through the Building Communities of Recovery (BCOR) program and comprehensive opioid recovery centers. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature.

Initiation and Dose of Methadone Monotherapy vs Combination Therapy, 2015 to 2023

Retention rates and cost-effectiveness of telehealth vs. in-person buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD)

AAPP has elected three members to the 2026-2028 Board of Directors. Congratulations to Drs. Cunningham, Campbell, and DiPaula!

This document features high-level key takeaways from the May 2025 workshop.

AAPP’s free resource document on Methamphetamine Use Disorder provides information on screening, diagnosis, intoxication, withdrawal, treatment, co-occurring psychiatric disorders, special populations, and harm reduction strategies.

Calling all psychiatric pharmacist rising stars. Nominate yourself or others for the AAPP Early Practitioner Award designed to recognizes future leaders within AAPP and Psychiatric Pharmacy. Nominations close 10/1/2025.

During this complimentary, grant-funded webinar, participants will learn about the potential benefits and drawbacks of available PPD treatments – including newer NAS medications. Register today and earn 1 hour of ACPE credit upon webinar completion.

AAPP submitted comments on CMS’s CY 2026 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule, encouraging the agency to strengthen behavioral health integration in primary care, expand telehealth flexibilities, and proceed cautiously with proposed changes to the 340B program.

AAPP’s new policy statements and briefs are rooted in evidence and AAPP’s mission. See how you can use them to advocate.

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.

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

AAPP submitted comments on CMS’s CY 2026 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule, encouraging the agency to strengthen behavioral health integration in primary care, expand telehealth flexibilities, and proceed cautiously with proposed changes to the 340B program. AAPP also responded to an embedded request for information on prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP) requirements and as always, took the opportunity to encourage CMS to recognize psychiatric pharmacists as qualified health care professionals as well as create payment pathways for pharmacist-provided comprehensive medication management.

Carolanne Wartman, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP (she/her) discussing asking, advocating, and creating inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ patients.

During this complimentary, grant-funded webinar, participants will gain insight into the barriers to effective psychotropic LAI use and explore current research. Register today and earn 1 hour of ACPE credit upon webinar completion.

Approximately 60% of depression is treated in the primary care setting. Psychiatric pharmacists can utilize their knowledge and training to assist primary care providers in treating mental illness. Watch this video to learn more.

The 10/31/24 #JournalClub article 1 presented "Ketamine for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder: Double-blind active-controlled crossover study." The recording is available free to all AAPP members.

AAPP's pharmacist toolkit on Xylazine is intended to highlight both the evidence base available as well as strategies of clinical decision making used by expert clinicians.

A serial cross-sectional study.

Information about the impact of fentanyl-related overdose in neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest (CA) compared with other etiologies of CA is limited.

A triple-blind, double-dummy, randomized control trial.

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Exploring Military Exposures and Mental, Behavioral, and Neurologic Health Outcomes Among Post-9/11 Veterans

A highlight on Shadi Doroudgar's AAPP 2025 Annual Meeting session!

This paper outlines four key issues along with considerations to ensure pharmacists are part of the solution moving forward.

AAPP Active members will have the opportunity to select one President-Elect candidate and two Member at Large candidates through an online voting process starting September 8.

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

Click the button to view the article recently published in the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment.

Click the button to learn more about this addiction policy forum.

This study examined trends in medical and nonmedical prescription stimulant use patterns.

114 organizations from across the United States signed onto the letter.

This study piloted CM at a novel transitional pallet shelter community for HEVs and assessed the intervention's feasibility and acceptability.

The Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, provides comprehensive health care to around 2.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) across 37 states belonging to 574 federally recognized tribes. The federal government established a special relationship with these tribes in 1787 to provide health services and raise their overall health status to the highest level.

Kaitlyn Q. Weslosky, PharmD, BCPP discusses why we overcommit, how to avoid overcommitment, and how to manage existing commitments in this What I Wish I Knew article. #WIWIK #residents #newpractitioners #psychpharmacy

The 10/31/24 #JournalClub article 2 presented "Efficacy and safety of the muscarinic receptor agonist KarXT (xanomeline-trospium) in schizophrenia (EMERGENT-2) in the USA." The recording is available free to all AAPP members.

Outside of conversations around suicide, disease progression, death, and dying are not commonly discussed in psychiatric practice. Palliative care for patients with mental illness is not typically considered beyond the context of terminal medical illness. While patients with SPMI (severe and persistent mental illness) would not routinely be considered terminally ill, many individuals who live with SPMI do not achieve adequate control of their symptoms and live with significant, distressing, and impairing problems.

Consider referring patients to Mental Health America (MHA) for mental health support. Explore the MHA website to view available resources!

This free list of treatment guidelines includes anxiety and related disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, medication-induced movement disorders, schizophrenia, seizure disorders, sleep-wake disorders, and substance use disorders.

As a growing specialty working in a profession where there are exponentially more and more patient care needs, the importance of attracting and training pharmacy students to the field has never been greater. AAPP members are critical in supporting this growth through precepting and educating students and/or by advising an AAPP Collegiate Chapter. This special edition of the AAPP Perspective demonstrates the impact of Collegiate Chapters and the numerous ways members are incorporating students into their practice, not only by educating them in psychiatric pharmacy but also in enhancing their understanding of those living with mental illness.

AAPP is pleased to be an official supporter of ASHP’s "We’re Your Pharmacist," a national public awareness campaign bringing visibility to pharmacist contributions to patient care and public health across practice settings and specialties. We are excited to be a part of this effort to share pharmacist stories, educate the public about critical pharmacist patient care roles, and inspire the next generation of pharmacy professionals. Be sure to like, share, and comment on our social media posts promoting this exciting campaign!

HHS announced a $100M pilot funding opportunity to prevent, test for, treat and cure Hepatitis C (HCV) in individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) and/or Serious Mental Illness (SMI). This program is particularly designed to support communities severely affected by homelessness and to gain insights on effective ways to identify patients, complete treatment, cure infections, and reduce reinfection by Hepatitis C (a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus).

Long-time AAPP member and the current AAPP Foundation President-Elect, Clayton English, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP, BCGP, FAAPP, is part of a team of SoP faculty researchers at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy that has been awarded a $200,000 Tier 3 pilot research grant from the UW Population Health Initiative. The team’s work aims to address the rise in opioid overdose deaths, increasingly driven by fentanyl. This work is vital to public health. Help us congratulate Dr. English!

The 11/14/2024 #JournalClub (1 of 2) presented "Enhancing immigrant families' mental health through the promotion of structural and community-based support." The recording is available free to all AAPP members.

Burnout is a well-documented occupational phenomenon that has emerged as a significant concern within the health care field. Characterized by three domains including emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA), burnout can have serious consequences on professional performance and personal well-being. Previous studies have identified prevalence rates and risk factors for burnout among other clinical pharmacy specialties, however none to date have evaluated burnout among psychiatric pharmacists. This study addresses this gap by evaluating burnout among Board-Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists (BCPPs) in the United States.

Julie Thiel, BS Pharm, PharmD shares questions to ask before accepting a job and what to do if you discover the job is not a culture fit.

Thanks to our partnership with Current Psychiatry (CP) published through Quadrant Healthcom Inc., another Savvy Psychopharmacology article was featured in the January 2020 edition of Current Psychiatry. The goal of this section is to present an evidence-based discussion to guide safe, effective prescribing of psychotropic medications. Eva Studer, MD, Tawny L. Smith, PharmD, BCPP, and Smitha Murthy, MD, authored this article on Valproic acid-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy.

The AAPP Annual Meeting typically hosts presentations on topics related to psychiatric pharmacotherapy. Expert speakers are often BCPPs, psychiatrists, or advanced psychiatric providers. This year’s session on Contraceptive Care in Psychiatry was unique in that it provided members education on a non-psychiatric topic that is nonetheless frequently encountered in psychiatric practice environments. Given patients with mental illness often face barriers in accessing multiple treatment services, psychiatric pharmacists need to be knowledgeable on how to initiate contraception for patients and/or engage in discussions with patients and prescribers on how to confidently determine the optimal contraceptive option based on an individual’s treatment goals. Familiarity with the advantages and drawbacks of different contraceptive methods enables pharmacists to consider multiple factors when choosing the most suitable options for patients with psychiatric conditions.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the results of the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which shows how people living in the United States reported their experiences with mental health conditions, substance use and pursuit of treatment.  This year marks the first year since 2020 in which there are at least four years of comparable data for key NSDUH outcomes to enable reporting of trends.

AAPP provides an up to date listing of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacy Fellowships. Take a look at available opportunities!

As I prepare the President’s column for this edition of the AAPP Perspective, I am fresh out of a virtual fall retreat with the AAPP Board concentrated on our strategic plan progress. As a reminder, our current strategic plan was approved in late spring of 2021. It is regarded, by far, as the most aggressive strategic plan AAPP has ever adopted and launched us into an entirely new area of profession advocacy. With your help as volunteers and members and your amazing work in your day jobs, AAPP has been scaling these proverbial strategic plan hills and mountains with great passion ever since.

The Clozapine in Practice toolkit has recently been updated to reflect the discontinuation of the REMS and to describe current information on monitoring guidelines. A special thanks to lead author Jonathan Leung and co-authors Robin Hieber, Jenna Stearns, and Greg Deardorff for their work to update this important toolkit.

The mock exam is composed of 150 questions based on the content domains and knowledge statements included in the BPS content outline. Register today and practice, practice, practice!

The 11/14/2024 #JournalClub (2 of 2) presented "Impact of sex on antidepressant discontinuation in groups of similar cytochrome P450 phenotypes." The recording is available free to all AAPP members.

The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee has recommended easing routine blood count monitoring for patients on clozapine, citing new data that show that the risk for severe neutropenia and agranulocytosis declines significantly after the first year of treatment. Under the updated guidelines, monitoring for patients without a history of neutropenia can be reduced to once every 12 weeks after the first year, and to once annually after 2 years. In addition, absolute neutrophil count (ANC) will now be the sole parameter used for hematologic monitoring, replacing the previous requirement to also measure white blood cell count. The revised recommendations are supported by a joint expert statement from the European Clozapine Task Force, published this year, which called for changes to the monitoring protocol due to the very low incidence of late-onset agranulocytosis.

AAPP member Steve Saklad co-authored the study that highlights key considerations for optimizing the use of aripiprazole monohydrate LAIs in clinical practice to enhance treatment outcomes in patients with schizophrenia and BP-I. Funding was provided by funding by Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Europe Ltd & H. Lundbeck A/S.

We are cross promoting this event being held by the Smoking Cessation Leadership Center. They will dive into the neurobiology of nicotine addiction in individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), review promising evidence-based interventions and discuss how tobacco treatment can be effectively integrated into psychiatric and behavioral health systems. The session will support clinicians, public health professionals and behavioral health leaders in advancing tobacco-free recovery. CEUs are available for this event.

Ashley Maister, BS, PharmD, BCPP provides insights on the layered learning model, a way to differentiate instruction to accommodate for different skills and abilities.

The treatment of cannabis use disorder, special populations and co-occurring disorders as well as harm reduction strategies are also addressed in the toolkit.

What another exceptional year for our AAPP student chapters! Fifty-two collegiate chapters submitted an annual report presenting an overview of their 2022-2023 academic year. The Membership-Marketing Subcommittee of the Student Committee reviewed the reports for highlights of the year, noting significant community service, campus activities, research, and professional growth. Throughout the year, student pharmacists exhibited a great passion for mental health awareness in their selection of community service and chapter activities on campus. The chapters also maintain a commitment to professional development in the field of psychiatric pharmacy.

How about some trivia? How many meetings does a chapter need to hold each year to maintain its status as a recognized AAPP collegiate chapter? The answer to this and many other chapter requirements can be found in the Student Chapter Formation Manual from the Student Chapter Hub.

The Kaiser Family Foundation has prepared a summary describing the health care provisions in the law (described as the Senate-passed bill) in four categories: Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, Medicare and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

Hawai’i has passed SB 1245, an advancement that will recognize pharmacists as health care providers under Hawai'i law and ensure health plan reimbursement for services they provide within their scope of practice.

President Jolene Bostwick and Executive Director Brenda Schimenti had the opportunity to discuss the vital role of board-certified psychiatric pharmacists (BCPPs) in integrated care teams. The interview highlights psychiatric pharmacist expertise in comprehensive medication management, the role of collaborative practice agreements, the psychotropic stewardship model, and how psychiatric pharmacists improve outcomes for patients with psychiatric disorders. The interview closes by addressing significant policy barriers, including lack of reimbursement and federal recognition, that limit broader implementation and growth of the profession.

The 1/9/25 #JournalClub article 1 presented "Comparative safety of in utero exposure to buprenorphine combined with Naloxone vs Buprenorphine alone." The recording is available free to all AAPP members.

Long-time AAPP member and the current AAPP Foundation President, Clayton English, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP, BCGP, FAAPP, is part of a team of SoP faculty researchers at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy that has been awarded a $200,000 Tier 3 pilot research grant from the UW Population Health Initiative. The team’s work aims to address the rise in opioid overdose deaths, increasingly driven by fentanyl. This work is vital to public health. Help us congratulate Dr. English!

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!

Updated Post: AAPP Urges Insurers to Maintain Vaccine Coverage

The Lancet Psychiatry - Absolute neutrophil count and adverse drug reaction monitoring during clozapine treatment: consensus guidelines from a global Delphi panel

AAPP surveys show that at least 90% of successful BCPP candidates purchase the Review Book as their primary study tool. 100% of survey respondents indicate that the Review Book was their primary study resource and a key tool to their certification success! Get your book today and start studying!

OIG surveyed behavioral health providers who actively served Medicare and Medicaid patients to assess whether they could make new patient appointments for enrollees in 2023. Some findings of the review include: 1) forty-five percent of surveyed providers reported that they were not available to treat new patients enrolled in traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid managed care, and 2) among the providers who were available to treat new patients enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid, about a quarter reported wait times of more than 30 days for an appointment. This report illustrates that enrollee access to needed behavioral health care is hampered by the inability of active providers to treat new patients.

AAPP is continuing its membership in the Get the Medications Right Institute (GTMRX) in 2025. GTMRX is focused on advancing recognition among providers and payors of the importance of systematic, evidence-based approaches to medications and their rationale use and the urgent need for payment and policy reform to advance access to and payment for person-centered CMM services.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is revising the labeling of all extended-release stimulants to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder to warn about the risk of weight loss and other side effects in patients younger than 6 years. The agency is requiring a “limitation of use” section in the prescribing information of all extended-release stimulants to include a statement on higher rates of adverse reactions in these young children. Extended-release stimulants are not approved for children below 6, but doctors can prescribe them “off label” to treat ADHD. The agency said it assessed data from clinical trials of extended-release formulations of amphetamine and methylphenidate for ADHD treatment, finding that, compared to older children, patients younger than 6 have higher levels of the drug in their bodies as well as higher rates of side effects. For these reasons, the benefits of extended-release stimulants may not outweigh the risks in patients younger than 6, according to the regulator.

As we enter into the season of pumpkin spice, football, and falling leaves, it’s my pleasure to reach out and say hello as your new AAPP President. On behalf of your AAPP Board of Directors, I’d like to take a few paragraphs to reflect on some of the progress we made this summer.

This free medication database provides a list of generic and brand name medications.

"As pharmacists, we have opportunities every day to be an advocate for our patients and a champion for our profession." Learn how Dr. Tanya Fabian is advocating for psychiatric pharmacists! #WIWIK #psychpharmacy #AAPP #advocacy #yourvoicematters

In this cross-sectional study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers analyzed data from the 2021-2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health and found that past-month cannabis use among U.S. adults ages 65 and older rose from 4.8% to 7.0%. The greatest increases were among people with higher incomes, more education and chronic diseases and those living in states with legalized medical cannabis.

In this Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), emergency department (ED) data from October 2020 to March 2024 show that rates of suspected fentanyl-involved nonfatal overdose visits rose steadily across most demographic groups through mid-2023 before declining slightly. The increase highlights both the ongoing public health burden and the critical role of ED-based interventions.

Using cross-sectional data from national surveys and prescription records between 2019 and 2022, this study found that among U.S. adults ages 18-64 who used prescription stimulants, 25.3% reported nonmedical use and 9.0% met criteria for prescription stimulant use disorder (PSUD), with highest prevalence linked to amphetamine use, highlighting the need for PSUD screening and treatment regardless of reported use patterns.

This systematic review and meta-analysis of real-world data connects cannabis use with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including stroke (RR 1.20), acute coronary syndrome (RR 1.29) and cardiovascular death (RR 2.10), highlighting the need for routine screening of cannabis use in patients with serious cardiovascular conditions.

After a successful launch in 2025 when we installed 47 AAPP Fellows in the Class of 2025, we are looking to grow our FAAPP ranks in 2026. Check out our applicant guide and informational video to learn more and start your application today. AAPP Fellow Transcripts are updated annually on July 1.

Methamphetamine-induced psychosis and schizophrenia spectrum disorders intersect in a complex clinical landscape. This webinar will deepen your understanding and improve treatment and care for people experiencing co-occurring serious mental illness (SMI) and stimulant use disorders. This session will be clinically focused. CEUs are not available for this event, but a certificate of attendance will be provided to attendees.

The 1/23/25 #JournalClub (1/2) presented "Comparison of intramuscular haloperidol and other short-acting injectable antipsychotics for management of acute agitation in an adult inpatient psychiatry unit." The recording is available free to AAPP members.

There are 50 Pharmacy schools across the country that have AAPP Student Chapters, and more are joining every year! Check out the AAPP website for a list of existing chapters. Think about reaching out to a nearby chapter to collaborate on an upcoming activity, or for ideas on activities that could be done within your own organization.

AAPP 2023 hosted nearly 1,000 in-person and virtual attendees to learn, network, and advance the profession in late April. This premiere event hosted over 200 scientific posters, nearly 30 hours of cutting-edge programming, and a multitude of networking and information-sharing opportunities. This issue of The Perspective highlights the content of several sessions and provides information on significant AAPP initiatives.

SAMHSA recently issued an advisory on Expanding Access to Methadone Treatment in Hospital Settings. The advisory is intended for hospitals and associated healthcare facilities and offers best practices for implementing and expanding access to methadone for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) in hospital settings.

It is that time of year again where AAPP begins the process of nominating leaders for the AAPP Board for the next two years (2026-2028). AAPP is seeking candidates for the board offices of President-Elect and Member-At-Large (2 positions). Active AAPP members are asked to contribute to the shaping of AAPP’s future by nominating individuals to serve in these important leadership positions. Nominations must be submitted no later than June 24 at Noon Central.

CMS announced that, beginning October 29, the long-stay antipsychotic measure used within long-term care will be calculated not only using Minimum Data Set (MDS) data, but also by incorporating Medicare and Medicaid claims and encounter data. The Project Pause is presently strategizing on potential next steps.

AAPP joined 56 national organizations in urging Senators to support health professions education by preserving subsidized loans for undergraduates, retaining the Grad PLUS Program, and increasing the proposed aggregate limit for unsubsidized federal loans (for both undergraduate and graduate education).

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.

Seeking AAPP member proposals to Rx and Illicit Drug Summit. Funding available through Ambassador Program

AAPP Joins 190+ Organizations Sounding Alarm on Medicaid Cuts

AAPP and S&PAA to Launch Education Series on Clozapine

This BCPP prep product includes 11 recorded review webinars and one "last-chance" question and answer session with authors/presenters. This popular series is updated annually and covers important content for the exam. Register today!

The 1/23/2025 #JournalClub (2/2) presented "Electronic Nicotine-Delivery Systems for Smoking Cessation." The recording is available free to all AAPP members.

"MSLs provide an outstanding resource for the latest information on a pharmaceutical company’s scientific publications in journals and poster presentations." Read more about this mutually beneficial relationship! #WIWIK #psychpharmacy #AAPP

AAPP members Suzanne Harris, Jolene Bostwick, Marshall Cates, Amy Werremeyer and Charles Caley authored this article studying PLEs offered by postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) programs and completed by PGY1 residents over a 5-year period.

This week, the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) delivered a sign-on letter, led by AAPP and various MHLG leadership groups, to the Senate Finance and Budget committees, urging them to reject the House-passed changes to Medicaid within the budget reconciliation bill. MHLG is a coalition of national organizations representing consumers, family members, mental health and substance use care providers, advocates, payers and other stakeholders committed to strengthening Americans’ access to mental health and substance use care. The letter emphasizes that the proposed changes to the Medicaid program would harm individuals and families experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.

Suboxone and Zubsolv have modified their labels to clarify that there is no maximum daily dosage. This follows the FDA’s December recommendation that transmucosal buprenorphine product labels be updated to address misperceptions of a daily maximum dose of 16 or 24 milligrams.

A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the use of prior authorization (PA) for behavioral health services in Medicare Advantage (MA) found that of the 9 MA organizations reviewed, most required PA for inpatient and partial hospitalization care. Nearly all MA plans under review used internal coverage criteria for PA decisions, especially for inpatient care. GAO recommends that CMS target behavioral health services in its program audit reviews of PA denials and planned reviews of internal coverage criteria, scheduled to begin in 2026.

Trust for America's Health (TFAH) has released the 2025 Pain in the Nation Report, which tracks alcohol, drug, and suicide deaths nationally and for population groups. The report shows that deaths due to drug overdose and alcohol are down nationally, but this progress is uneven across population groups and at risk due to cuts to federal health programs and workforce.

Visit this blog from the Children’s Hospital Association, explaining how critical Medicaid is for children's access to mental health services. The House-passed reconciliation bill would make financing changes to Medicaid, that are detrimental to children and pediatric care.

This advisory delves into the psychological implications of AI on young people, offering critical insights for policymakers, mental health professionals, and technology developers. This resource provides valuable, evidence-based guidance to inform legislative, educational, and care-delivery efforts.

AAPP joined 500 organizational and 2,355 individual signers sending a letter in support of the National Institutes of Health. The letter summarizes the deep concern that the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget request cuts the NIH budget by eighteen billion dollars and consolidates or eliminates institutes and centers without congressional hearings or public input.

SAMHSA has released a Dear Colleague Letter offering guidance on benzodiazepine (BZD) use in older adults. The letter refers healthcare professionals to the ASAM guidelines which AAPP contributed to, highlights the public health importance of reducing long-term benzodiazepine use among older adults, and promotes patient-centered, evidence-informed strategies for evaluating ongoing BZD use.

Event site selection has been increasingly challenging for all associations with post-pandemic costs skyrocketing along with state legislation considered, by many, to be discriminatory and harmful. Our Annual Meeting 2024 (April 7-10, Orlando) host state of Florida is certainly one of those in the news this week with NAACP and others issuing travel advisories. Why then is AAPP hosting an event in Florida?

"While working with the inpatient unit, I learned more about the transition of care to our outpatient Women's Mood Disorder clinic, the site for my ambulatory rotation during residency. My residency program director coordinated with the attending physician who oversaw the clinic, and I was immediately acknowledged as a member of the team. I was the first pharmacist to practice in this setting, which was a valuable experience in and of itself. I spent six months in the once-a-week clinic and grew to love my time there. To date, this was the most informative and rewarding patient care experience of my career..." Learn more about Caitlin Hughes' experience with perinatal psychiatry.

AAPP Foundation Impact Grant recipients, the VCU Collegiate Chapter, collaborated with dental and nursing students to compile 272 dental hygiene kits. The kits were distributed along with educational handouts to patients at local substance use disorder clinics and a retail pharmacy, and patients reported learning about possible adverse drug reactions with buprenorphine that they did not know much about previously. Great work, VCU Collegiate Chapter! Hear about the project by viewing the recorded presentation.

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.

AAPP surveys show that at least 90% of successful BCPP candidates purchase the Review Book as their primary study tool. 100% of survey respondents indicate that the Review Book was their primary study resource and a key tool to their certification success! Get your book today and start studying!

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!

AAPP Foundation Impact Grant recipients from the UNC Collegiate Chapter provided opioid overdose preparedness training to students, faculty, and staff at UNC! Participants demonstrated increased confidence in their knowledge. Congrats on a successful project! To hear about the project, watch the presentation recording on the Foundation website.

The 2/6/25 #JournalClub (1/2) presented "Clozapine clinical toolkit optimizes inpatient clozapine monitoring." The recording is available free to all AAPP members.

The 2024 AAPP Summit, a 2-day virtual event, will be held on October 10th and 11th. The Summit features 8 evidence-based sessions on emerging areas of practice and contemporary issues in psychiatric pharmacy. This interactive, virtual conference is co-sponsored with the Society of Pain and Palliative Care (SPPCP) and provides knowledge and tools to improve the comprehensive care of patients with mental health disorders. Psychiatric and pain pharmacists will find this content valuable regardless of the practice setting. Register now and join us to earn 10 hours of ACPE and BCPP recertification credit! Two grant supported sessions will also be available for an additional 2 hours of ACPE credit.

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners (JCPP) held its meeting in Alexandria, VA, to advance collective efforts toward increased recognition of and payment for Pharmacists’ Patient Care Services. The day’s discussions centered on building momentum from current achievements and identifying next steps for progress. During the morning session, members focused on the recently approved, and soon to be released, revised JCPP Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process and explored strategies for implementation across all pharmacy practice settings. The afternoon featured dialogue around regulatory frameworks that support patient care, with particular emphasis on the standards of care approach to pharmacy regulation. Throughout the meeting, JCPP member organizations reaffirmed their commitment to expanding pharmacists’ roles within the health care system and enabling sustained delivery of patient care services. A special thanks to President Michelle Geier who was representing AAPP at her final JCPP meeting.

"Understanding the differences [of laws and interpretation of the laws] allows us to not only better serve our patients but also create avenues for advocacy." #WIWIK

The AAPP Foundation continues to promote mental health education to psychiatric pharmacists, residents, and students nationwide by sponsoring Mental Health First Aid training. AAPP Director of Continuing Professional Development Beth DeJongh, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP, is the lead faculty member for the training and is joined by AAPP member Emma Palmer, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP, Associate Professor at the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati.

Whether you're building an LAI clinic from scratch or scaling up, leadership support and patient access are key. This course shows learners how to advocate for LAI services, boost patient volume, and implement policies that make clinics thrive. #LAI

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.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released important information related to "Special Registrations for Telemedicine and Limited State Telemedicine Registrations," "Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter," and "Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients."

AAPP is launching two new BCPP Preparatory Products in June 2024 to help psychiatric pharmacists better prepare for the BCPP exam: a Developing Effective Test-Taking Skills webinar and a Psychiatric Pharmacy Specialty Mock Exam. These products will complement the popular Psychiatric Pharmacotherapy Review Book and the BCPP Prep Series as methods of preparing for the BCPP exam.

Mental illness and substance use disorders are common in correctional populations. Watch this video to learn about a psychiatric pharmacist's role in correctional healthcare.

AAPP is pleased to announce an additional AAPP Collegiate Chapter bringing the total number of student chapters to 50! Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, advised by AAPP member Faith Wellings, PharmD, BCPS, is the newest student chapter. Congratulations and welcome to AAPP Collegiate Chapter at Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy!

The 2/6/25 #JournalClub (2/2) presented "Comparing Intubation Rates in Patients Receiving Parenteral Olanzapine With and Without a Parenteral Benzodiazepine in the Emergency Department." The recording is available free to all AAPP members.

“The Best part about being a girl is now I don’t have to pretend to be a boy.” Dr. Jennifer Moore began her keynote presentation at AAPP’s 2023 Annual Meeting with this impactful statement, preparing the audience for a discussion on transgender care across the continuum. Delivered with “kindness and compassion”, the learning objectives highlighted components of the transgender experience, including barriers to care as well as multi-disciplinary approaches to care. Delivered with “empathy and respect”, this conversation led the audience through the longitudinal experiences of transgender youth in the U.S.

Act now! Tell the administration to expand access to lifesaving care by eliminating the DEA’s prohibition on the prescribing of methadone for OUD.

Managing LAIs in special populations requires skill and confidence. This course helps learners navigate complex scenarios - from dual LAI use to treating pregnant and pediatric patients. Build your expertise to optimize care in the toughest cases. #LAI

FDA Clears First Blood Test Used in Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease

The recording of AAPP’s Forum on our Future and answers to the questions posed by members are now posted on the website. Listen in to learn more about the exciting progress at AAPP. Members are welcome to submit questions to board@aapp.org year-round.

Participation will consist of access to virtual training materials, as well as access to a web-based item authoring platform to draft and submit 5-10 exam items according to assigned areas of the examination content outline beginning in July 2025. Applications are due by June 6, 2025.

Join AAPP and other stakeholders in sharing your voice (using the provided toolkit) recommending the elimination of the DEA prohibition on the prescribing of methadone. The DOJ Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force is seeking comment by May 27 on regulations that prevent competition within the health care sector. Current regulation that limits dispensing of methadone for OUD to opioid treatment programs (OTP) is anticompetitive and severely restricts patient access to treatment. Fixing this regulation to allow practitioners to prescribe methadone for OUD that patients can pick up at a local pharmacy would greatly improve patient choice in addiction treatment – especially in cases where methadone is the most effective option for an individual.

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

This free webinar provides the knowledge and skills to effectively manage benzodiazepine tapering in primary care settings and is co-presented by AAPP member Amy VandenBerg, PharmD, BCPP, FAAPP. The webinar is scheduled for 12:00-1:00 PM ET.

"Combatting self-doubt and recognizing imposter syndrome can be a difficult. As a learner in any stage of your career, it is important to recognize your self-worth and keep striving to build off your experiences" #WIWIK

AAPP is proud to host psychiatric pharmacists, psychiatric pharmacy residents, and pharmacy students of diverse races, ethnicities, religions, genders, and sexual orientations at AAPP 2024. AAPP understands how the environment in the host state of Florida may be concerning to conference registrants and members and, as such, AAPP has taken many steps to prioritize the attendee experience and wellbeing.

“What word would you choose to describe the current state of mental health for teenagers in America?” Dr. Jessica “Jessie” Merritt, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, introduced her presentation entitled “Teen Suicide, the Silent Epidemic” with this audience participation question. As words like “crisis,” “scary,” “fragile,” and “concerning” grew larger in the screen, the audience began to explore feelings evoked by the profound initial question, and the topic at hand for one of the Wednesday morning keynote sessions at AAPP 2023.

The 2/20 #JournalClub presented "Evaluation and Comparison of the Effectiveness of Atropine Eye Drops, Ipratropium Bromide Nasal Spray, and Amitriptyline Tablet in the Management of Clozapine-Associated Sialorrhea in Patients With Refractory Schizophrenia"

Substance use disorders are highly prevalent among patients with mental health conditions. Troy Moore, Pharm.D., M.S., BCPP shares his experience in the management of substance use disorders within the Veterans Health Administration.

Sharpen your skills in LAI dosing, administration, and treatment adjustments with expert tips you won't find in standard guidelines. Learn advanced strategies for optimizing LAIs, managing medication errors, and improving patient outcomes. #LAI

A study published in Pediatrics found no causal relationship between stimulants and psychosis among young people with ADHD.

Supported by a Collegiate Chapter Impact Grant from the AAPP Foundation, pharmacy student Christian Moon and advisor, Ericka Crouse, led the formation of Resilient Smile! The VCU AAPP Collegiate Chapter recruited students from the schools of medicine, nursing, and dentistry as well as the College of Health Professions and VCU Graduate School to participate in a two-day service project to assemble 250 dental care kits. We applaud their efforts!

"The key to having a positive volunteer experience is selecting an area that you are passionate about so that you...have the most enjoyable and impactful experience." #WIWIK

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

Hospitalizations shouldn't interrupt progress. This course arms learners with the tools to ensure psychotropic LAIs are started early, continued through transitions, and supported by strong care coordination. #LAI

Member Stephanie Nichols Presents Navigating Pharmacotherapy: Co-occurring Bipolar Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder on May 15: One of the first educational programs hosted in the new SAMHSA SMI Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) will be presented by member Stephanie Nichols, PharmD, MPH, BCPP, BCPS, FCCP, FAAPP. This webinar will focus on evidence-based strategies for navigating drug interactions, managing adverse effects and optimizing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) to improve patient care. Executive Director Brenda Schimenti and Past President Ray Love represent psychiatric pharmacy on the SMI TTAC Consultative Monitoring Board.

During AAPP 2023, AAPP presented the 2023 Judith J. Saklad Memorial Award to Charles Caley, PharmD, BCPP, Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Springfield, MA. The Judith J. Saklad Memorial Award is presented annually to a senior psychiatric pharmacy practitioner who has achieved a level of professional distinction and represents the qualities and ideals of professional enthusiasm, a passion for optimizing patient care, and continuing dedication to the practice of psychiatric pharmacy. The Saklad Memorial Award is named after the late Judith J. Saklad.

A certificate award ceremony and dinner at AAPP 2025 provided opportunities to shower attention on the 2025 class of Fellows. The Fellows Program recognizes members who have demonstrated excellence in advancing the practice of psychiatric pharmacy and have distinguished themselves in advancing the mission and goals of the association, thereby promoting public awareness of the profession. After induction, Fellows can be recognized by the initials “FAAPP”.

The 2/20/25 #JournalClub (2/2) presented "Brexpiprazole and sertraline combination treatment in posttraumatic stress disorder." The recording is available free to all AAPP members.

The National Institute of Mental Health is an excellent resource for broshures and fact sheets on mental health disorders for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Printed materials can even be ordered free of charge!

Build a long-acting injectable clinic that delivers clinical and financial results. This course teaches learners how to navigate billing, track key metrics, and make the case for profitability. Learn what it takes to scale your LAI services. #LAI

"I was highly motivated to obtain my DEA to improve the efficiency of my workflow and practice with greater independence..." #WIWIK

Free 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

As psychiatric pharmacists, we pride ourselves in the top-notch patient care that we provide, sometimes even serving as the patient’s main source of contact and primary prescriber. We see ourselves as empathetic and work tirelessly to break down stigma. Every day we go into work and provide compassion to the patients we treat. Sometimes though, we tell our colleagues, friends, and family stories. Stories from our patients that make us laugh or roll our eyes, or stories about our patients – the ones we don’t like because they have [insert mental illness], and we don’t enjoy working with them. Have we ever stopped to think that maybe the person we’re talking to also suffers from that or a similar mental illness?

Calling all subject matter experts! AAPP is encouraging all members to self-nominate for a presentation or author opportunity in AAPP’s upcoming events and products. Mark your submission as final by the March 27, 2025, deadline.

Psychiatric and neurologic illnesses are highly prevalent and are often suboptimally treated. Pharmacists who focus on psychiatric and neurologic diseases improve outcomes for patients with these conditions. This is important in the current health care environment as most patients with psychiatric or neurologic conditions continue to have unmet needs. Read this MHC article to learn more about the value of psychiatric and neurologic pharmacists as part of the health care team. We hope you will consider exploring psychiatric and neurological pharmacy for your career.

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

At AAPP 2023, Dr. Jason Bonner, PhD presented on “Burnout Among Psychiatric Pharmacists: A Discussion of Drivers and Evidence-Based/informed Interventions to Improve Clinician Well-Being.” Dr. Bonner is a Clinical Health Psychologist in Primary Care-Mental Health Integration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at the Durham VA Health Care System. He is a subject matter expert on stress, burnout, coping, well-being and resilience for pharmacy residency training and provides guidance on issues intersecting wellness and pharmacy training.

Psychiatric pharmacists can use their expertise in other industries, including continuing medical education (CME)! Learn more from Dr. Amber Lemons.

Grassroots advocacy can be one of the most influential tools that a profession can employ to bring issues to the attention of legislators at all levels from state to federal government. Policymakers must have input directly from those affected by a certain issue so they are aware of the needs in their communities and understand fully the ramifications of changes in policy. AAPP has provided a suite of tools and issue briefs to support you in your grassroots efforts whether at the state or federal level.

The 2023-2024 academic year has been another outstanding period for our AAPP collegiate chapters, showcasing their dedication to promoting psychiatric pharmacy and mental health awareness. Forty-seven collegiate chapters submitted annual reports, highlighting significant community service, campus activities, research, and professional growth. The 2023-2024 year also saw 64 in-person attendees to the annual AAPP meeting, with sixteen posters presented across eleven schools of pharmacy.

AAPP’s most recent strategic plan is chock full of goals surrounding the expansion of opportunities for psychiatric pharmacists. An aggressive and big assignment for sure, with no one solution that achieves the goal of growing awareness and inclusion of psychiatric pharmacists into treatment teams and health systems. After significant brainstorming and research, a plan emerged (see figure) in late 2021 that involved numerous committees and task forces conducting complimentary work simultaneously to achieve the end goal of increasing demand for psychiatric pharmacists.

As LAIs play a bigger role in psychiatric care, it's time to train the next generation to lead with confidence. Learn to embed LAI education into pharmacy precepting and curricula - using hands-on strategies, case-based learning, & practical tools. #LAI

Every person’s journey to preparing for and achieving the Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP) credential is unique. However, hundreds of BCPPs have shared tips and techniques that assisted in their success. Customize the tips below to your background and situation. Good Luck!

One of the most important elements to advancing the profession of pharmacy is the commitment to lifelong learning. However, the delivery of continuing education has experienced relatively little change in the past 50 years in comparison to the changes we have seen in the profession of pharmacy.1 Traditionally, continuing education has been delivered through formal training with the learner motivated by the need to meet predetermined credits/hours set by the state boards of pharmacy or the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). Over the last several decades, new methods of delivering education to pharmacists and other health professionals have been proposed and integrated in some areas.

The minutes of the November 19, 2024, FDA joint advisory committee meeting have been posted. As previously reported, this meeting was called to discuss reevaluation of the Clozapine Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) and possible changes to minimize burden on patients, pharmacies, and prescribers while maintaining safe use of clozapine. With the joint FDA advisory committees overwhelmingly voting to eliminate the risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS), AAPP has continued its advocacy on the REMS in conjunction with partners such as the American Psychiatric Association, Angry Moms, the Schizophrenia and Psychosis Alliance, and more. AAPP has earmarked March 18 at 10 AM central time for a webinar to update members on our advocacy and to discuss practice implications should the REMS be eliminated. More information and registration forthcoming!

Obtaining a Controlled Substance Registration Certificate (DEA license) was encouraged by my site in order to help better serve our patient population. There are many practice settings where this would be useful for a pharmacist. Currently I work in an outpatient mental health clinic, where I work collaboratively with a variety of health care providers including psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists, and nurse practitioners. Having this certification means I can use the full scope of my knowledge and apply it to practice. Potentially this could work well in other collaborative settings including inpatient treatment, depending on the role of the pharmacist.

As a substance use disorder (SUD) pharmacist, I am frequently asked why I do what I do. I commonly reply, “I do it for the goosebump moments.” If you have ever been given the privilege to be a part of another person’s recovery, you may know what I mean by this. I am honored to advocate for, learn from, and nurture one of the most vulnerable and stigmatized patient populations in our healthcare system. The truth is my job may be the best kept secret in pharmacy.

FDA/CDER has announced new safety labeling for Clozaril with the main change being adding pericarditis to the boxed warning, Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC).

While many people who sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) recover within weeks or months of their injury, others experience long-term symptoms and disabilities. This public workshop will explore the state of knowledge regarding TBI as a chronic condition and discuss strategies to improve care and outcomes for people living with its longer-term consequences.

AAPP apparel and drinkware are available for purchase! Choose from a selection of polos, sweaters, jackets, and more, and enjoy $10 flat rate shipping for your entire order. The store will close March 6th, and all orders will be processed and mailed at that time. Order now and proudly wear your AAPP-branded merchandise at AAPP 2025 in Salt Lake City and year-round!

We thoroughly enjoyed hosting many of you at AAPP 2024 in Orlando. The only downside is that we won't see many of you for another full year! In this edition of AAPP Perspectives, join us in reliving a successful AAPP 2024 while also looking forward to AAPP 2025, to be held April 25-28 in Salt Lake City, UT.

In accordance with the Presidential memorandum “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review,” the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and HHS delayed from Feb. 18 to March 21 the effective date of two final rules related to the practice of telemedicine, “Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter” and “Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients.” The administration specified the pushback will not impede telemedicine prescribing in the interim, as those covered under the two rules are still permitted to do so under temporary COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities that run through the end of 2025. Public comments on this delay are open through Feb 28.

"A call to action for ambulatory care pharmacists for the treatment of depression and anxiety in primary care: An opinion paper of the ambulatory care and central nervous system practice research networks of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy” was recently published. Among the authors are AAPP members Richard J. Silvia Pharm.D., M.A., FCCP, Clayton English Pharm.D, Bridget A. Bradley Pharm.D, Anne Ottney Pharm.D, and M. Lynn Crismon Pharm.D., FCCP.

Researchers confirmed that antidepressants lead to a significant reduction in generalized anxiety disorder symptoms in the short term.

The Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (JACCP), is creating a themed issue titled “Breaking the Cycle: Advancing Substance Use Disorder Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery”. Submissions (due 7/15/25) may focus on clinical, economic, social, implementation, or other forms of outcomes; innovative team-based care models; and other opportunities to advance the care and treatment of patients with substance use disorders.

This is a new letter for advocacy

Mental Health America reports on how social media is impacting young people’s mental health, relationships, and daily lives. "Breaking the Algorithm" brings together insights from over 900 survey respondents, focus groups with young people, and conversations with our youth co-researchers to explore.

Congratulations to Megan Ehret, Jennifer Martin, Emma Palmer, Elayne Ansara, Amber Douglass and all the other members making an impact in psychiatric pharmacy!

Generations are often used to define an age cohort of people, typically spanning a 15–20-year period.1 The current pharmacy workforce is composed of three generations; Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964), Generation X (born 1965 to 1980), and Millennials (born 1980-1996). The next generation to enter pharmacy school and the workforce is Generation Z (Gen Z) born 1997-2012. As Gen Z becomes a significant part of our profession, we must adapt precepting strategies for these learners to align with their preferences to promote learner success.