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How will my completing the program benefit my clients?
The knowledge acquired in the psychopharmacology program weaves in so seamlessly into the work you do as psychologists that your clients might not really notice how much they have gained. You can ask more precise and informed questions during intake and assessment; more precisely discern between mental health issues, physiological problems and the side effects of medications; be better equipped to identify complications resulting from psychotropic medications. You can be a better consultant to your client, addressing cultural ways to improve compliance with regimes and address the questions your clients will invariably have about how to use medications appropriately.
Does this program prepare me to prescribe medications?
The Antioch University Seattle program is based on the guidelines of training provided by the APA. It also provides the opportunity to complete a preceptorship according to those guidelines. Psychologists cannot currently, however, prescribe in Washington state.
Where can psychologists prescribe?
Currently psychologists can only prescribe in New Mexico, Louisiana and Guam, as well as in special agencies in Hawaii. The program is in compliance with APA requirements for prescriptive privileges. Please speak with the program director for current information about what is happening in Washington on prescriptive privileges.
What can I expect to be able to do with the certificate to advance my career in psychology if I can't currently prescribe medications?
Although things are much better than they used to be, there is still some stigma attached to seeking psychotherapy. However, that stigma does not seem to apply to consultations about medications, particularly among some minority groups. Many people will approach you with questions about medications when they are hesitant about asking questions concerning psychotherapy and now you will be able to address them both.
In addition, new consultative models of interaction with primary care providers and even legal professionals will be open to you.
Where many insurance panels are closed to psychologists, they may be more flexible when the specialty in clinical psychopharmacology is listed. This is particularly true in rural areas.
Will the program require a lot of math?
The scientific basis of psychopharmacology includes some chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and some math. All the scientific content is selected to be directly applicable to the clinical practice and it easily understood by anybody with a doctoral degree in psychology. Most people find the content very interesting and not overwhelming.
Help me understand the distance learning aspects of the program.
There are 40 Saturdays of classes in the first year. The work can be done in the classroom or online through streaming video. In addition, classes are taped and made available for review at any time during the following week.
Any of the modules can be done online, although the module on Clinical Examinations is much better done in person, since it involves skills such as taking blood pressure, examining a client for tremors, and so on.
Is there technical support available for the distance learning portion?
Information will be sent to you about the required equipment to receive streaming video from the comfort of your own computer. If necessary, we can guide you in selecting the appropriate equipment. Once you have that, logging on to watch the videos is so simple you will not need any additional technical support, although technicians will be available for assistance during class times.
How does the preceptorship work?
The second year of the program is dedicated to the preceptorship. Currently the APA recommends seeing 100 clients, emphasizing diversity of populations as well as diversity in the stage of treatment.
The preceptorships can be arranged in any part of Washington, as long as three or more students can study under the same preceptor. We currently have an agreement with Washington State University Vancouver to provide for sites, as well as at the Antioch University Psychology Clinic. Other sites are being developed, depending on the needs of those who enroll. In addition, a student can develop their own preceptorship, if preferred.
Are any of the practicum costs included in the tuition?
Yes, small group preceptorships are included in the tuition. Students who wish to do individual work with a preceptor will be required to pay the difference in cost out of pocket.
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