Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology for Mental Health Clinicians

Age is not a factor when it comes to the emergence of mental disorders and the psychiatric and psychological clinical communities of the world agree that mental disorders are indeed diagnosable in youth. Children and adolescents are presenting to our offices and agencies every day with a plethora of symptoms which are markedly affecting their personal, social, and even academic well-being.

This seminar examines the problem areas and syndromes most often assessed, observed, and diagnosed in children and adolescents today – depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety manifestations, ADHD, disruptive behavior, and substance use disorders. This program will also address best-practice assessment, as well as pharmacological and behavioral intervention strategies, pursuant to getting affected youth proper treatment.  

Objectives:

• Discuss the contemporary best practice strategies in managing depression, bipolar, anxiety, and ADHD in children and adolescents

• Describe ways for helping youth obtain “proper social nutrition”

• Examine the disruptive behavior spectrum, and address behavioral and pharmacological options for overcoming defiance and improving emotional control

• Identify the circumstances driving the rise in substance abuse among children and adolescents, substances most often abused, and acuity-based treatment protocols

• Review and provide direction on case examples specific to the identified problem areas

Participation: This content is available via recorded seminar, providing five (5) continuing education credit hours. 

Audience: This training is for professionals working with children and adolescents living with mental health issues. Professionals who will benefit from this training include social workers, psychologists, clinical counselors, marriage and family therapists, nurses, and educators.

Content level: Beginner/Intermediate