Noeticus Counseling Center and Training Institute®

DESCRIPTION: Though it is important to stay within our scope of practice as mental health professionals, we often find ourselves in situations where having some basic information about psychotropic medications and/or other psychoactive substances can be quite useful. With this knowledge, we become better advocates for our clients with other medical and mental health professionals as well as collaborators with our own clients. Such knowledge includes how medications and other substances are introduced into the body, how they are metabolized and distributed throughout the body, and finally how they are excreted. It also requires a working understanding of how medications and other substances affect the central nervous system, their short and long term effects on other body systems, as well as how they interact with one another. Using an engaging and participatory learning format, participants in this training learn the major classifications of psychotropic medications and psychoactive substances, gain a better understanding of how neurons and neurotransmitters work within the central nervous system, and become better acquainted with common side effects and adverse reactions to be watching for with their clients. In particular, this training focuses on antidepressants (e.g. MAO inhibitors, SNRIs, SSRIs, tricyclics, etc.), antipsychotics (typical and atypical neuroleptics), anxiolytics (e.g. barbiturates, benzodiazepines, etc.), mood-stabilizers (lithium, anticonvulsants, etc.), and cognitive enhancers/anti-ADHDs (psychostimulants, SNRIs, beta-blockers, etc.). We will look at some “off label” uses of these common psychotropic medications for other psychological symptoms or psychiatric diagnoses. Participants also learn about the DEA’s schedule of drugs and the most common psychoactive substances - including central nervous system depressants, central nervous system stimulants, opiates/opioids, hallucinogens, cannabis/cannabinoids, inhalants, anabolic steroids, designer drugs, and a few others. Additionally, MAT or medication-assisted treatment options for some addictive substances and/or behaviors is then explored (e.g. NRT, bupropion, naltrexone, buprenorphine, methadone, etc.). Finally, we address the issue of discontinuing psychotropic medications and/or other psychoactive substances, the problems associated with withdrawal and rebound effects, as well as the range of possible alternative treatments outside pharmacotherapies. NOTE: This training can be taken independently and also as part of the Noeticus Science and Technical Excellence - Practice Endorsement™ (NSTE-PE); Save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NSTE-PE Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.

• DATE: September 23 and 24, 2025 (Tuesday & Wednesday).
• TIME: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• CE CONTACT HOURS: 15.0 Contact Hours.
• CE APPROVALS: DORA, NAADAC, NBCC; Applicable to the Noeticus Science and Technical Excellence - Practice Endorsement™ (NSTE-PE).
• RECOMMENDED TEXT: Participants may find it helpful to read this book by psychologist and psychiatrist team, JoEllen Patterson, PhD, A. Ari Albala, MD, Margaret E. McCahill, MD, and Todd M. Edwards, PhD, available HERE.
• PREREQUISITE(S): None.
• PAYMENT PLAN: A payment plan can be established through the online registration process.
• DISCOUNTS: Groups of 3+ = Save an Additional 10%; Military/Veterans = Save an Additional 15%; Graduate Students = Save an Additional 20%; BBIPOC/LGBTQIA+/Social Justice Rate = Save an Additional 25%; Noeticus Staff/Former Staff = Save an Additional 30% (Only One Category Available; Discount Provided Automatically at Check-Out).
• PACKAGE DISCOUNT: In addition to the discounts mentioned above, save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NSTE-PE Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.