2026 Topic 

Collaboration and Psychopharmacology: Exploring How to Improve Our Clients' Lives Through More Effective Interdisciplinary Treatment of Mental Health Concerns. 

With the many changes in health care and the very common split between the mind and body, in this workshop you will learn key strategies that can be utilized to mend this conceptual split. Collaborative health care, based upon an integration of professionals whose primary focus is on working together in the best interest of the client and family system is needed (and this isn't just for individuals who work in hospital settings). 

One key aspect that will be addressed is making sure that mental health professionals are adequately trained in psychopharmacology so that effective collaboration with prescribers can occur. Without a good understanding of medications and their side effects, we are unable to address common concerns that are often expressed by our clients who see us more often than they do their medical providers. Common ethical concerns in therapy, along with the specific aspects regarding psychopharmacology, will also be addressed. By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to: 

• Articulate the impact of collaborative care on clients and providers.