Stephanie L. Bunch – Psychopharmacology For Advanced Practice Clinicians
Psychiatry is one of the most challenging areas of medicine, secondary to the subjective nature of the specialty. As clinicians, we have no objective data to base our course of treatment on.
Psychopharmacology and psychotherapy are our best options in terms of treatments and therapy is only successful if the patient is committed to attending every session, completing their homework, and willing to make the necessary life changes to improve their mental health. Medication can be very helpful in terms of alleviating mental health symptoms; however, choosing the right medication and/or combination of meds is crucial to achieving successful outcomes. Secondary to the psychiatry shortage, providers in other specialties find themselves treating mental health patients, which can present additional challenges.
This recording will arm you with a valuable update on the different classes of psychiatric medications and facilitate a deeper level of understanding in terms of how these medications work on their respective neurotransmitters and how they work in conjunction with one another. It is uncommon for mental health patients to be on only one medication, as a combination of medications is often required to reach the desired level of improvement.
After this course, you will be able to identify effective medication regimens for patients based on their psychiatric history and presenting symptoms, ultimately contributing to quality of life improvements in patients with mental health conditions.
- Recognize ways to conceptualize psychiatric symptomatology outside the box.
- Evaluate common medical conditions that you may inadvertently diagnose as psychiatric in nature.
- Analyze the 4 main neurotransmitters and how their imbalance influences different psychiatric disorders.
- Compare efficacy of the newer class of serotonin modulators to the other widely-used antidepressant classes.
- Examine frequently asked questions regarding the impact of alcohol and marijuana for patients taking psychotropic medications.
- Learn strategic ways to customize treatment plans based on your patient’s individual needs.
Antidepressants
- The many facets which impact depression such as neurotransmitter imbalances, life events, and environmental factors
- History of antidepressants, in terms of safety and efficacy of treatments
- Classes of antidepressants – MAOIs, TCAs, SSRIs, SNRIs, SDRIs, other antidepressants, and serotonin modulators
Antipsychotics
- Targeted neurotransmitters – DA, mechanism of action, DA pathways, D2 and 5Ht2A – why is this important?
- Typical vs. atypical – what are the differences and how do we choose them?
- Adverse effects
- Off label indications
- Specific benefits of the class
Mood Stabilizers
- Targeted neurotransmitters/Mechanism of action
- Efficacy in treatment
- Adverse reactions
- Safety – Importance of compliance and monitoring
- Off label indications
- Best in practice pearls
Anxiolytics
- 2nd line treatment vs. 1st line treatment – and reasons these might not be used as first line
- Targeted neurotransmitters/Mechanism of action
- Cautions and safety concerns associated with this class
- Adverse effects
- Safety – addiction and withdrawal
Stimulants
- Classes of ADHD drugs and how they differ
- Neurotransmitters involved/Mechanism of action
- Caution associated with controlled substances
- Safety in children and use in adults
Critical Considerations for Psychopharmacology Treatment
- Increasing risk – when patients combine psychotropic medications with alcohol and/or illicit drugs
- Challenging symptoms to treat, such as TBI and autism
- Ruling out medical conditions that mimic psychiatric conditions
- Importance of a detailed history and review of symptoms
Enlightening Case Studies
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar
Stephanie L. Bunch – Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice Clinicians
Master Medication Management With Clinical Precision and Evidence-Based Confidence
Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice Clinicians by Stephanie L. Bunch is an in-depth, clinically sophisticated training designed for nurse practitioners, physician associates, and other licensed prescribers seeking to deepen their understanding of psychotropic medication management in modern mental health care.
This advanced program delivers an expertly curated synthesis of neurobiology, pharmacodynamics, clinical reasoning, and real-world case application. Whether you’re managing complex psychiatric presentations or refining your treatment planning strategies, this course equips you with the tools to prescribe confidently, safely, and in alignment with best practices.
What This Course Will Equip You To Do
Built on the latest psychiatric guidelines and pharmacologic research, this course bridges the gap between textbook knowledge and practical application. Here’s what you’ll gain:
Deepen Your Pharmacologic Fluency
Explore the mechanisms, indications, and adverse effects of antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, and more—through a clinician’s lens.
Elevate Diagnostic Precision
Refine your assessment skills by correlating symptoms with neurochemical imbalances, helping you make more targeted, therapeutic decisions.
Master Polypharmacy & Complex Cases
Learn how to manage overlapping conditions and mitigate risks in patients taking multiple medications across psychiatric and medical domains.
Prescribe With Legal and Ethical Clarity
Understand scope of practice nuances, liability considerations, and informed consent principles specific to advanced psychopharmacologic care.
Apply Evidence in Real-World Scenarios
Engage with clinical case studies that demonstrate step-by-step prescribing logic, medication selection, dose titration, and monitoring protocols.
Update Your Toolkit With Current Trends
Stay on the leading edge with insights into emerging medications, treatment-resistant depression protocols, off-label applications, and pharmacogenomics.
Who This Program Is Designed For
This course is meticulously structured for licensed providers actively involved in mental health treatment, including:
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Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in psychiatric, family, or adult care
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Physician Assistants (PAs) practicing in behavioral health or primary care
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PMHNPs and APRNs seeking to enhance clinical depth and prescribing proficiency
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Medical Professionals aiming to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration in mental healthcare settings
Whether you’re early in your prescribing career or seeking to sharpen your clinical edge, this course provides a high-level, actionable learning experience.
About Stephanie L. Bunch
Stephanie L. Bunch, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a nationally recognized psychiatric nurse practitioner and psychopharmacology educator with extensive frontline experience. Known for her integrative approach, clinical precision, and commitment to lifelong learning, Stephanie blends scientific rigor with practical application—empowering clinicians to practice at the highest level of care.
Her teaching style is clear, case-based, and grounded in everyday clinical relevance, making even complex pharmacology both approachable and actionable.
What Sets This Program Apart
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Clinician-Centered Curriculum: Built specifically for prescribers working in fast-paced, real-world environments
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Case-Based Application: Apply knowledge through real-life scenarios that simulate diagnostic and prescribing challenges
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Up-to-Date and Research-Driven: Aligned with the latest clinical guidelines and pharmacologic advancements
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Ethically Sound and Legally Informed: Incorporates essential legal, safety, and regulatory considerations
Advance With Accuracy. Prescribe With Purpose. Care With Confidence.
Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice Clinicians is more than a course—it’s an investment in your professional mastery. Empower yourself to deliver the kind of care that’s not only effective but ethically sound, evidence-informed, and deeply transformative.
→ Enroll now and elevate your expertise in psychotropic prescribing.
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