Intro to Psychopharmacology: A Crash Course for Non-Prescribers
Katharine “Kim” Larsson, PhD, PMH CNS-BC, RN
Instructors
This workshop will introduce participants to the basics of psycho- pharmacology, including: history and evolution in psychiatric prescribing practice in the U.S.A., classes of medications for the treatment of a variety of psychiatric conditions, evidence on clinical effectiveness, considerations regarding therapeutic vs side effects, considerations for particular prescribing choices, polypharmacy for treating co-morbid psychiatric and medical conditions, and the role of the non-prescribing provider.
Description
Date & Time
January 31, 2026
8:30 AM to 12:45 PM
Live Workshop with In-Person (at Boston Behavioral Medicine) and On-Line Attendance (via Zoom)
Format
Credits
4 CEs
Fee
$140
After participating in this workshop participants will be able to:
Name the major classes of medications used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders;
Recognize the role of social, political, cultural and economic factors in the evolution of psychopharm prescription practice;
Give concrete examples of different clinical situations in which psychopharm prescribers make decisions about particular medication choices to target specific combinations of psychiatric symptoms, while considering therapeutic vs side effects;
Identify particular considerations prescribers make in treating psychiatric symptoms in patients with co-morbid medical conditions;
Demonstrate competence addressing psychopharm-related issues with patients as a non-prescribing provider, understanding both unique opportunities and limitations in scope of practice.
Learning Objectives:
Dr. Katharine “Kim” Larsson, Ph.D., is a doctoral level Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Board Certified. Dr. Larsson has been working in the advanced practice nursing role as both a psychotherapist and psychopharmacologist since 1995. She underwent psychotherapy training at the Cambridge Health Alliance (formerly known as The Cambridge Hospital), Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA. Ms. Larsson began her advanced practice prescribing practice in 1995, as an adult psychiatric and clinical nurse specialist. Ms. Larsson has worked in various outpatient settings throughout the greater Boston area providing psychopharmacological treatment to individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, mood disorders, sleep disorders, eating disorders and fertility concerns. Ms. Larsson has been teaching Psychopharmacology for the Non Prescriber for the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association (MAMHCA) since 2006 and has been an active faculty for Boston Behavioral Medicine’s various in-services on psychopharmacology and behavioral medicine.