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Get a better understanding of LAIs and LAI use in this webinar: Introduction to Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics and Patient Selection. This is one of six modules in our complimentary Psychotropic LAI Training Program. Register today and get access to the full program and LAI resources!

Psychiatric pharmacists work in an ever-growing number of diverse practice settings. Explore articles and videos to see some career paths available to psychiatric pharmacists today.

HHS and the Department of Veterans Affairs operate three major national support hotlines: the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline), the Veterans Crisis Line, and the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. According to a recent Government Accountability Office report covering fiscal year 2025, overall contact volume across all three hotlines generally increased throughout the year.

The CMS Healthcare Advisory Committee (HAC) is charged with developing recommendations to improve the U.S. healthcare system, including addressing healthcare access and workforce challenges. In preparation for its next meeting, AAPP submitted comments urging the HAC to support policies that allow for greater use of psychiatric pharmacists to help address behavioral health workforce shortages and expand access to mental health and substance use disorder care.

AAPP submitted comments on CMS’s CY 2027 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) proposed rule, supporting CMS’s proposed updates to payment rates for Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) by using the most recent available claims and cost data.

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.

Psychiatric pharmacists are advanced practice clinical pharmacists who specialize in mental health care. With an extensive knowledge of medication management, they are skilled at treating the whole patient. They strengthen the mental health team by working directly with patients and improving treatment outcomes. This practice expansion toolkit provides background and resources related to Impact on Team Well-Being.

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).

Learn all about Antipsychotic Long-Acting Injectable Adverse Effects, Mitigation Strategies, and Monitoring! This is one of six modules in our complimentary Psychotropic LAI Training Program. Register today and get access to the full program and LAI resources.