The US is experiencing a severe shortage in mental health providers with an estimated 32% shortage of psychiatrists by 2030 and around $225 billion spent on mental health annually. To alleviate this shortage, the National Council for Behavioral Health Medical Director Institute endorses the use of advanced practice providers to improve patient access to mental health care, such as psychiatric nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and Board-Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists (BCPPs). It is essential that all of these providers are fully integrated into the health system such that their unique skills and expertise are fully utilized. This resource explores how BCPPs and the value they bring are distinctive. This toolkit addresses how BCPPs are distinguished by education and training, how BCPPs can be fully integrated into the team, how reimbursement challenges can be addressed, and clarification of the psychiatric pharmacist role in team based care.
For additional practice expansion toolkits, visit the employer resource center.
