Skip to main content

Psychopharmacology Today

The Alliant RxP Podcast

Request Information
Psychopharmacology Today podcast logo

Explore how psychotropic medications contribute to mental health science

Psychopharmacology Speaker Series, learn more

Alliant University is a proud pioneer of the prescriptive authority movement and the field of psychopharmacology. Featuring Alliant professor and Postdoctoral MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology program director Dr. George Kapalka, Psychopharmacology Today offers expert insights into current practices, emerging research, and the expanding role of psychologists in medication management of mental health issues.

Recorded on-location in Washington, DC, this episode of Psychopharmacology Today features Dr. George Kapalka, joined by Dr. Judi Steinman and Dr. Jim Phelps, to discuss Hawaii’s newly enacted prescriptive authority pilot program for appropriately trained prescribing psychologists. After decades of advocacy, Hawaii has become the ninth state to authorize prescribing psychologists, with the three-year pilot focused on federally qualified health centers on Kauai and Hawaii Island—areas with particularly limited access to psychiatric prescribers.

The conversation explores how prescribing psychologists could help address nationwide mental-health workforce shortages and complement primary care providers who are increasingly called upon to manage psychiatric medications. The guests discuss the importance of combining psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology training, particularly when evaluating complex presentations such as bipolar disorder that may be overlooked when antidepressants become the default treatment. They also consider the evidence and practical experience surrounding prescribing psychologists, the potential benefits of psychopharmacology training even in states without prescriptive authority, and the remaining challenges—including Hawaii’s current age restrictions and the need to expand access to children and older adults.

About the Alliant MSCP program

In 1998, the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant established the nation’s first postdoctoral MSCP program. Ever since, it has been at the forefront of preparing students for consulting practice and prescriptive authority (where permitted by law) in psychopharmacology. The MSCP program at Alliant is designated by the American Psychological Association (APA) as an Education and Training Program in Psychopharmacology for Prescriptive Authority.

This online program, taught via live classes, prepares you to add another dimension to your clinical practice. Consult with psychiatric prescribers about psychopharmacology and learn how to safely and effectively prescribe psychotropic medications in states and federal jurisdictions that allow psychologists to have prescriptive authority.

About CSPP

Founded in 1969 as one of the nation’s first free-standing schools of professional psychology, CSPP has educated thousands of students who are now working professionals in clinical psychology, couples and family therapy, social work, and organizational psychology. Our degree programs prepare the next generation of mental health professionals and advocates to help improve access to quality care in every community.

CSPP is also well known for our powerful connections to the field of psychology and highly regarded faculty and alumni, both past and present. CSPP has a legacy of academic excellence and supporting a multicultural, diverse culture.

Listen on your favorite platform

Featured Podcasts

View All Podcasts
Opens in new window