Dr. David Dadiomov
The Science of Psychopharmacology – Implications for Psychotherapists
Medications are a vital yet often underutilized component of mental health treatment. This workshop will equip counselors with practical strategies to educate clients, foster adherence, and collaborate effectively with prescribers to optimize client outcomes.
The Science of Psychopharmacology – Implications for Psychotherapists
About the Session
Medications play an integral part in the treatment of many mental health disorders yet are often underutilized. Suboptimal medication use can lead to poor adherence, reduced efficacy, and increase risk of adverse effects. This workshop will delve into the roles clinical counselors play in educating clients, foster informed consent, and collaborate seamlessly with prescribers and allied team members. Participants will gain insights into common challenges such as educating and recognizing side effects from medications, addressing medication adherence, and setting realistic expectations for efficacy. Participants will leave the session with actionable ways to improve client outcomes in their own practice. This session will empower clinicians to discuss medication-related concerns with clients, advocating for clients within multidisciplinary teams, and recognizing when medications may require additional review or adjustments. Given the prevalence of medication use in clients with mental health disorders, this workshop will provide high-yield insights for mental health practice.
What you will learn:
Identify effective strategies for educating clients about medication benefits, risks, and side effects
Evaluate common myths and misconceptions about psychotropic medications that may impact client attitudes and treatment engagement
Recognize approaches for collaborating with prescribers to address medication management and client concerns
Given a clinical case, interpret when to advocate for medication review or adjustment
Identify reputable resources for medication information
Session Format:
Interactive with collaborative discussions and case study analysis
About Dr. David Dadiomov
David Dadiomov, PharmD, BCPP, is an assistant professor of clinical pharmacy in the Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
He holds board certification in psychiatric pharmacy and serves as the director of the PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy Residency Program. He has led, co-led and conducted extensive research on opioid use disorders among vulnerable populations, prevalence and distribution of high-risk prescription opioid use, therapeutic drug monitoring, treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions and more. Dr. Dadiomov practices as a clinical pharmacy specialist in addiction and psychiatry at the Complex Care Clinic of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, one of the largest of its kind in the United States. Dr. Dadiomov’s teaching approach is case focused, practical for any clinical setting, interactive and evidence supported. His expertise has been shared with experienced clinicians, graduate students and advanced level students.
Dr. Dadiomov is the recipient of multiple awards for clinical excellence, teaching and clinical innovation and has presented, authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and scientific presentations.