Time: 3PM - 4:30PM Eastern Time

This training is designed to empower substance use counselors with the knowledge and skills required to integrate psychopharmacology and psychotropic medications into their practice effectively. Substance use counselors often work with clients who are prescribed psychotropic medications, so a comprehensive understanding of these medications is essential for holistic care. This workshop will cover the fundamentals of psychopharmacology, common psychotropic medications, their interactions with substances of use, and practical strategies for client support.

Presenter

Tamara Idette Thorn, DMSc, MAC, PA-C, LCSW, is a nationally certified physician assistant (PA-C, DFAAPA, CAQ-Psychiatry, BC-TMH), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW, DCSW), certified substance use disorder counselor (MAC, E-CADC, CAADC, MATS, E-CADC), and certified clinical supervisor (CCS, BCD, ACS, NCSE). Thorn holds a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) and Master’s degrees in both physician assistant studies (MSPAS) and social work (MSW). She has worked in the mental health profession for more than 20 years and is the owner/operator of ACES (Assessment, Continuing Education, and Supervision) and The Traveling Physician Assistant.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will be able to describe the basics of psychopharmacology, define key terminology, explain the mechanisms of action of common psychotropics, and describe how they interact with the brain.
• Participants will be able to identify common psychotropic medications and which are most frequently prescribed, differentiate between various classes of psychotropics, and discuss their potential benefits and risks.
• Participants will be able to integrate psychopharmacological knowledge into substance use counseling and develop strategies for assessing clients' medication histories and identifying potential interactions with substances.