Psychopharmacology Today
The Alliant RxP Podcast
Explore how psychotropic medications contribute to mental health science
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.
In this episode of Psychopharmacology Today, Dr. James Phelps explores the diagnostic and treatment challenges associated with bipolar spectrum disorders and mixed mood states. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, he explains why traditional categorical diagnoses (such as unipolar depression versus bipolar disorder) often fail to capture the complexity of real-world presentations.
Dr. Phelps introduces the concept of the mood spectrum and highlights the overlapping symptoms between depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, PTSD, and bipolar mixed states. He emphasizes the importance of evaluating “non-manic markers,” including family history, illness course, and antidepressant response, when determining whether bipolarity may be present.
The episode also discusses practical treatment considerations. Dr. Phelps outlines the risks associated with antidepressants in patients with mixed states and reviews alternative strategies, including social rhythm therapy, mood stabilizers such as lamotrigine and low-dose lithium, and the careful tapering of antidepressants. Throughout the discussion, he argues that prescribing psychologists are uniquely positioned to manage these complex cases due to their combined expertise in psychotherapy and medication management.
The session concludes with a framework for shared decision-making with patients and a practical approach to stabilizing mood symptoms while navigating diagnostic uncertainty.
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.
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