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.
Ep. 12: Start Low and Go Slow: Understanding Psychotropic Drug Interactions
Dr. Merrill Norton provides an in-depth look at psychotropic drug interactions and what clinicians need to understand to prescribe safely in this episode of Psychopharmacology Today. He explains the distinction between pharmacokinetic interactions (what the body does to a drug) and pharmacodynamic interactions (what drugs do to the body), with particular attention to the CYP450 enzyme system, renal clearance, protein binding, and pharmacogenomic differences.
Dr. Norton highlights high-risk combinations involving opioids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, stimulants, and mood stabilizers, while exploring potentially serious complications including respiratory depression, serotonin syndrome, QT prolongation, seizures, anticholinergic toxicity, and lithium toxicity. He also addresses the added complexity of treating patients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, emphasizing medication reconciliation, patient-specific risk assessment, careful monitoring, and patient education.
6 Aug 2026
Ep. 11: The Science Behind Psychedelics
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is rapidly transitioning from experimental research into mainstream clinical discussion, making it increasingly important for mental health professionals to understand the science behind these compounds. In this episode of Psychopharmacology Today, Dr. Judi Steinman explores the pharmacology of classic psychedelics (including LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, MDMA, ketamine, and related compounds) and explains how these substances interact with serotonin receptors, glutamate signaling, and broader neural networks involved in perception, cognition, and emotional processing.
Drawing on her background as a pharmacologist and educator, Dr. Steinman examines the biochemical similarities and differences among psychedelic compounds, emerging research into their therapeutic potential for conditions such as depression and PTSD, and the mechanisms that may underlie their profound psychological effects. She also discusses CYP450 metabolism, clinically significant drug interactions, the risk of serotonin syndrome, evolving FDA research guidance, and why prescribing clinicians must understand both the opportunities and limitations of these therapies as the field continues to evolve.
23 Jul 2026
Ep. 10: Medical Cannabis Revisited: What Clinicians Need to Know in 2026
Medical cannabis returns to Psychopharmacology Today, reflecting the rapidly evolving legal, scientific, and clinical landscape surrounding cannabis use. Drawing on a newly revised version of his popular webinar, Dr. Randall Tackett examines what clinicians need to know in 2026 as more patients use cannabis-derived products and more states expand medical cannabis access.
Separating evidence from misinformation, Dr. Tackett reviews the pharmacology of cannabinoids, including THC, CBD, and newer hemp-derived compounds such as Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC. He explains the therapeutic evidence supporting approved cannabinoid medications, discusses where research remains limited, and highlights emerging concerns involving product labeling, drug testing, driving impairment, employment, and the unintended consequences of hemp-derived cannabinoid products following the 2018 Farm Bill. Throughout the episode, listeners gain a practical, evidence-based framework for evaluating the benefits, risks, and limitations of medical cannabis in ever-evolving contemporary clinical practice.
4 Jun 2026
Ep. 9: Three Current Transformations in Psychiatry (and Their Implications)
Jim Phelps returns for another episode of Psychopharmacology Today, exploring three major shifts reshaping modern psychiatry: 1) the move from categorical to dimensional diagnosis, 2) emerging biological mechanisms underlying bipolar disorder, and 3) the evolving role of lithium in brain health and dementia prevention.
Drawing on epidemiologic research, clinical experience, and recent neuroscience findings, Dr. Phelps explains how mood disorders often exist along a spectrum rather than within rigid DSM categories, emphasizing the importance of diagnostic humility when assessing depression, anxiety, trauma, and bipolarity. He also reviews practical treatment implications, including social rhythm therapy, circadian stabilization, blue-light reduction strategies, and the potential therapeutic value of low-dose lithium. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Phelps highlights how advances in chronotherapy, metabolism, inflammation research, and dimensional assessment may fundamentally change how clinicians understand and treat mood disorders in the years ahead.
23 Apr 2026
Ep. 8: RxP and Gender-Affirming Care
In this episode of Psychopharmacology Today, Dr. Daubney Boland offers a practical and compassionate overview of gender-affirming care, emphasizing the critical role prescribing psychologists play in creating inclusive, respectful, and medically informed treatment environments for transgender and nonbinary patients. Drawing on clinical experience and case studies, she explores how affirming language, accurate pronoun use, and culturally competent systems reduce barriers to care, while delayed or withheld treatment can intensify depression, dysphoria, self-harm, and other mental health concerns. Dr. Boland also reviews key psychopharmacology considerations, including hormone therapy risks, informed consent, fertility counseling, and monitoring issues such as testosterone-related polycythemia, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and individualized, patient-centered decision-making in ethical gender-affirming practice.
26 Mar 2026
Ep. 7: Mixed States and the Bipolar Spectrum: Improving Diagnosis and Treatment Decisions
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.
29 Jan 2026
Ep. 6: Ketamine in the Treatment of Mental Health Conditions: A Primer
Led by ketamine experts Dr. Alexander Papp and Dr. Julie Myers, both faculty of Alliant's MSCP program, this episode of Psychopharmacology Today delves into the use of ketamine as a treatment for various mental health conditions, particularly depression and suicidal ideation. It explores the pharmacological mechanisms behind ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects, its clinical applications, and the importance of neuroplasticity in recovery. Drs. Papp and Myers highlight the growing acceptance of ketamine in clinical settings and the need for further research to optimize treatment protocols and understand long-term effects. They also address complexities of ketamine treatment, focusing on its side effects, practical applications, integration with therapy, best practices, and real-world case studies. Lastly, they emphasize the importance of understanding both the benefits and potential risks associated with ketamine, as well as the significance of proper administration and patient support throughout the treatment process.
13 Nov 2025
Ep. 5: So You Want to Be a Prescribing Psychologist?
In this conversation with faculty colleague Dr. Cheryl Fisher, Alliant MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology program director Dr. George Kapalka discusses his extensive experience and insights into RxP, particularly focusing on pediatric populations. He highlights the evolution of training for psychologists in this field, the challenges faced in prescribing medications to children, and the impact of political changes on pharmaceutical research. The discussion also covers the collaboration between counselors and prescribers, addressing client resistance to medication, and the influence of telehealth on psychopharmacology. Finally, Dr. Kapalka provides valuable advice for clinical counselors and shares his thoughts on future trends in the field based on questions from Alliant students.
21 Jul 2025
Ep. 4: By Yourself But Not Alone
This episode of Psychopharmacology Today explores the significance of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare, particularly between psychology and primary care. Dr. Alice Davis shares her journey from nursing to psychology, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in managing patient care. Through personal anecdotes and case studies, she illustrates the benefits and challenges of collaborative practice, advocating for a more integrated approach to healthcare that includes diverse professionals working together for better patient outcomes.
21 Jul 2025
Ep. 3: Science vs. Pseudoscience of Medical Cannabis
This episode of Psychopharmacology Today explores the complexities surrounding medical cannabis, focusing on the scientific, legal, and practical aspects that clinicians need to understand. Dr. Randall Tackett discusses the differences between medical and recreational cannabis, the role of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and the importance of the endocannabinoid system. He highlights the medical applications of cannabis, the risks associated with its use, and the need for better education among healthcare professionals regarding cannabis. Dr. Tackett also addresses the legal landscape of medical cannabis and the challenges faced by patients and providers.
21 Jul 2025
Ep. 2: Prescribing and Military Readiness
This episode of Psychopharmacology Today delves into military mental health, focusing on psychiatric medications, recruitment and retention standards, and the implications of mental health conditions on service members' careers. Dr. Ruth Roa-Navarrete shares her extensive experience as a clinical prescribing psychologist in the military, discussing the importance of understanding medical standards, disqualifying conditions, and the role of medical evaluation boards. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication between mental health practitioners and service members, as well as the importance of considering functional impairment in diagnoses and treatment plans.
21 Jul 2025
Ep. 1: History of Prescriptive Authority for Psychologists
The premiere episode of Psychopharmacology Today explores the evolving role of psychologists in prescribing medication. It highlights the need for prescriptive authority, the rigorous training and safety protocols involved, and the ethical considerations that come into play. The discussion also delves into the innovative training approaches of the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) and the potential impact on patient care, particularly in underserved areas. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of this field and the importance of informed decision-making in mental health care.
Note: This is an AI-generated conversation.
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