Psychopharmacology for Social Workers

SWCE1006 - Psychopharmacology for Social Workers

Micro-Course | 3 Continuing Education Hours | Estimated 3-Hour Workload

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Price reduced from $35.00 to $29.75
How To Enroll?
  • feature icon Professional Development
  • feature icon Advanced
  • feature icon 3 Continuing Education Hours
  • feature icon Estimated 3-Hour Workload
  • feature icon Self-Paced
  • feature icon Accessible for 180 days

Description

In today's society, mental health disorders are often treated with chemical interventions. While social workers cannot prescribe medications or recommend any specific medication, over-the-counter product, or supplement, social workers regularly treat clients who are on psychotropic medications and often see these clients more frequently than the health care provider with prescribing authority. Social workers should be familiar with these medications' desirable and undesirable effects, becoming better prepared to consult with the prescribers when there are questions or concerns about specific clients and their psychotropic medications. This course will provide foundational knowledge of current psychotropic categories and basic psychopharmacological concepts.

This 3-credit, reading-based asynchronous online course was developed in 2024 for social work professionals. The course includes written content, optional videos, interactive activities, and links to outside resources. The course requires the completion of a 20-question post-test and brief course evaluation that can be accessed from within the online learning environment. See our FAQs page for more information about system requirements. CE credits are issued for required material only.

What You Will Learn

Upon successful completion of this micro-course, you will be able to:

  • Describe the categories of psychopharmacological medications
  • Evaluate the indications for commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications
  • Analyze the benefits and limitations of psychopharmacological medications for mental health and substance use disorders
  • Apply the role of the social worker in making appropriate medical referrals and/or seeking consultation regarding clients' prescribed psychopharmacological medications
  • Analyze legal and ethical considerations when discussing psychopharmacological medications with clients and prescribers

Eligibility

  • Must be 18 or older

Refund Policy

You will have 24 hours, or until you receive your completion certificate, to request a full refund after purchase, whichever comes first. No hidden fees. All books and materials are included with purchase.

Faculty Bio

Curriculum

  • Introduction

    Social workers must build a foundational knowledge of psychopharmacology and understand their role in psychopharmacological intervention when serving as a member of a collaborative team. This course will assist with understanding current psychotropics categories and basic psychopharmacology concepts.

  • The Revolution of Drugs

    This module outlines the four pharmacological revolutions and legislation that occurred in the 20th century which changed the face of medicine, even though humans have been using alcohol and plant-derived drugs for thousands of years.

  • From Conception to Market

    This module explains the development and approval process for drugs. Pharmaceutical companies are now required to demonstrate, through extensive chemical, biological, animal, and human testing, that a new drug is both safe and effective.

  • What is Pharmacology

    This module describes the study of pharmacology. Pharmacology is essential to many within the healthcare field. Pharmacology combines psychology, neurology, chemistry, and other fields. The result is a specialized field that focuses on learning how drugs impact those who are trying to maintain mental health conditions.

  • The Brain: Neurons and Neurotransmitters

    This module reviews the effects of substances on neurotransmitter communication. Most medications approved for use on mental health and substance use disorders work by affecting the many communications between neurons in the brain and body. Specifically, medications impact the communication between neurons by working on specific neurotransmitters that act as communicators between neurons.

  • Pharmaceuticals for Diagnostic Categories

    This module analyzes the benefits and limitations of psychopharmacological medications for mental health and substance use disorders, covering psychotropic medications, depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

  • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications and Alternative Medications

    This module explains the categories and approval process for OTC and alternative medications.

Accreditation Statement

Walden University School of Lifelong Learning for the Barbara Solomon School of Social Work, provider # 1892, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/9/2024-9/9/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3 continuing education credits.

Walden University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing standards that define competent preparation for professional social workers and ensuring that social work programs meet these standards.


Criteria for obtaining Continuing Education Hours

This professional development course offers content that includes overviews and descriptions, engagement activities, resources, and a final assessment that can be taken as many times as needed to pass. Within 180 days of the course purchase date, follow these steps to claim your hours:

  1. Complete all course content,
  2. Achieve 80% or higher for the final assessment,
  3. Complete the end of course evaluation, and
  4. Download and print or save your certificate.

ADA Accommodation Statement

If you need accommodations, please e-mail [email protected].

Features

Interactive and Engaging Content

Interactive and Engaging Content

Learn through visual, interactive, and scenario-based learning components.

Flexible Learning

Flexible Learning

Review professional development content at your own pace to accommodate your busy schedule.

Awards

Certificate for Continuing Education Hours

Certificate for Continuing Education Hours

Price reduced from $35.00 to $29.75
How To Enroll?
Add to favorites
  • feature icon Professional Development
  • feature icon Advanced
  • feature icon 3 Continuing Education Hours
  • feature icon Estimated 3-Hour Workload
  • feature icon Self-Paced
  • feature icon Accessible for 180 days

How to enroll?

  • 1Add course to cart
  • 2Create your account
  • 3Register for course
  • 4Make payment
  • 5Start learning
-or-
email [email protected] for additional assistance

Who is this for

  • Licensed Social workers

Learners are responsible for consulting with the appropriate licensing, credentialing, or certifying authority; local school district; employer; or other organization to determine whether a course will be accepted by that organization. Walden does not guarantee acceptance by any third party for any specific purpose.