2025 Psychiatry Update for APPs

Goal Statement
The goal of this activity is to improve the knowledge, competence, and performance of learners to assess diagnostic considerations and new and emerging therapies for the treatment of psychiatric illness. 

Target Audience
This activity is intended for physician associates and nurse practitioners engaged in the care of patients with psychiatric illness. 

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this event, participants should be able to:

• Assess latest clinical evidence on new and emerging treatment options for patients with psychiatric disorders
• Develop individualized treatment strategies for optimal outcomes in patients with psychiatric disorders
• Discuss best practices in psychiatry to optimize patient care

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Agenda:

9:00 AM – 9:05 AM Opening Remarks

Moderated by Jeremy A. Schreiber, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

9:05 AM – 10:05 AM Critical Screening and Timely Diagnosis of Tardive Dyskinesia in Older Adults: Evidence-Based Strategies for Clinical Practice

Presented by Jeremy A. Schreiber, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Master the critical importance of routine TD screening in older patients, who face elevated risks due to prolonged antipsychotic exposure and age-related physiological vulnerabilities. Explore validated assessment tools like the AIMS scale, learn to differentiate TD from other movement disorders, and integrate systematic screening protocols into clinical workflows to enable timely diagnosis and mitigate complications such as falls and dysphagia.

10:05 AM – 10:10 AM 5-minute Break

10:10 AM – 11:10 AM Advancing Clinical Decision-Making in MDD: Evidence-Based Strategies for Augmentation, Switching, and Personalized Treatment Plans

Presented by Tina Matthews-Hayes, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Develop collaborative MDD care plans by integrating practical augmentation/switching criteria, optimizing augmentation dosing and monitoring protocols, and addressing adherence barriers via case studies highlighting comorbidity management and patient-centered communication. 

11:10 AM – 11:15 AM 5-minute Break

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM Transforming Patient-Centered Schizophrenia Care: Exploring Novel Therapeutic Strategies

Presented by Michael Asbach, DMSc, PA-C

Explore the role of novel molecules in reducing treatment burden and improving quality of life while emphasizing real-world challenges such as adverse events and psychosocial impacts. Learn about brand new mechanism and approaches and communicate evidence-based benefits to diverse populations. 

12:15 PM – 12:20 PM 5-minute Break

12:20 PM – 1:20 PM Nonaccredited Educational Session, managed by Clinical Care Solutions, a CEA Company

Presented by Kevin Williams, MS, MPAS, PA-C and Jonathan M. Meyer, M.D. 

This non-CME educational program is sponsored by Neurocrine Biosciences.

1:20 PM – 1:25 PM 5-minute Break

1:25 PM – 2:25 PM Steering Through Anxiety: Evidence-Based Navigation for Anxiety Disorders

Presented by Chelsie Monroe, MSN, APN, PMHNP-BC

Exploring evidence-based approaches to anxiety disorders, this session equips advanced practice providers with the skills to differentiate between anxiety subtypes and implement effective treatment strategies. Learn diagnostic markers to formulate first-line interventions, and design management plans that strategically sequence pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches for optimal patient outcomes. 

2:25 PM – 2:30 PM 5-minute Break 

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Puberty to Menopause: The Impact of Hormone Fluctuations on Depression

Presented by Katrine Alcaide, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C, RN

Shifting levels of estrogen and progesterone correlate with changes in mood regulation throughout the lifespan. This session considers strategies to improve screening and intervention for mood disorders around times of hormonal shift (including peripartum and hormonal therapy) and suggests opportunities for patient education and discussion.

3:30 PM – 3:35 PM Closing Remarks

Moderated by Jeremy A. Schreiber, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC