Searching for Solutions

Despite positive outcomes demonstrated by psychiatric pharmacists when integrated into healthcare teams, the financial investment required to integrate such services may be a barrier. The ability to demonstrate a return on investment (ROI) over a short period of time is imperative when persuading leadership to support a new clinical position.

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).

To establish new psychiatric pharmacist services, it should be recognized that substantial operational changes for the organization and staff are being proposed (see Change Management). Recognition of this can help improve one’s chances at successfully completing any proposed changes in how patients receive treatment. According to one model for managing complex change, there are five elements necessary for success.

This award will recognize individual AAPP members who impact change by benefiting access to care for individuals living with mental illness and/or by advancing the profession of psychiatric pharmacy through advocacy with policymakers and/or decision-makers.

This award will recognize individual AAPP member efforts and accomplishments in increasing patient access to high quality mental health care in exceptional and distinctive ways. This may include activities that increase access to psychiatric pharmacist-led interprofessional care. Examples include reduction and/or mitigation of social determinants of health for people living with mental illness, increased access to novel treatments and/or clinical interventions through research, etc.

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!

Dr. Andrew C. Hean, 2023 Defining the Future grant recipient, and his co-authors Jamie Kneebusch,Casey Tiefenthaler, and Kelly C. Lee, recently had their research published! Dr. Hean said, "Thank you again to the foundation for making this research possible, a project that was quite special to me!" Congratulations to this research team, and thank you to our donors who make grants like this possible! You can now read and download the article online.

Approximately 13 percent of counties had more than half their population living in an area facing a pharmacy shortage last year, according to the National Community Pharmacists. The new data coincides with the NCPA and USC’s launch of the first public mapping tool tracking pharmacy shortage areas and closures over time by state, county and congressional district.