Take a look at Program Topics (see descriptions below):

  • Psychopharmacology: What You Need To Know About Psychiatric Medications
  • Antidepressant Medication Strategies: We’ve Come a Long Way … Or Have We?
  • Medicating Bipolar Disorder: Challenges, Controversies and Current Trends
  • Safe and Effective Medication Approaches For Anxiety and Insomnia
  • Help! My Child Can’t Focus and Won’t Stay Still: Medications for ADHD
  • Solving Psychotropic Medication Dilemmas
Customized Training Programs As Per Request

Take a Look at a Few Sample Speaking Videos

Program Descriptions

Psychopharmacology: What You Need To Know About Psychiatric Medications

Demands on mental health professionals to expand their knowledge of psychotropic medications are like never before . . . not only do they need to be on top of the latest developments and what’s on the horizon, but they also have to effectively and efficiently use this information to the benefit of their client systems.

This signature, full-day workshop addresses all things psychopharmacology:

  • Proven methods to improve clients’ understanding of their mental illness, and how medication aids recovery
  • Identifying treatment concerns with inappropriate, inadequate doses of medication
  • Tools to help clients manage unpleasant side effects
  • Strategies to improve client adherence to medications
  • Depression, bipolar, anxiety, schizophrenia, ADHD — the latest trends in medication management

Antidepressant Medication Strategies: We’ve Come a Long Way … Or Have We?

Do today’s antidepressants really deliver what the pharmaceutical companies tout and what patients expect?

This unique program focuses on:

  • Pharmacological options for treating depression
  • The safety and efficacy of contemporary agents vs. their predecessors
  • Herbal and alternative remedies, how they compare to prescription antidepressants
  • Patent extender antidepressants, and what big Pharma is really selling

Medicating Bipolar Disorder: Challenges, Controversies and Current Trends

Once devastating and strangely alluring to its sufferers, bipolar disorder was first dubbed “manic depressive insanity.” Today this disorder is characterized mainly by its unpredictable cycle of intense mood swings, alternating between mania and depression.

This presentation highlights:

  • The new diagnostic paradigm – use of the bipolarity index
  • The myriad medication options for managing bipolar disorder
  • Challenges associated with appropriate drug selection
  • The controversial use of mood-stabilizing agents in pediatric populations

Safe and Effective Medication Approaches For Anxiety and Insomnia

Nearly 25 million Americans suffer from some form of anxiety disorder, making anxiety the most common mental health issue in the country.

The purpose of this program is to provide participants with a comprehensive review of the most widely recognized anxiety disorders including diagnosis and treatment options.

Topics include:

  • Types of Anxiety Disorders – Panic, GAD, Phobias, OCD, PTSD
  • Categories of anti-anxiety drugs
  • Risk factors
  • A discussion of insomnia and some hard truths about sleep agents

Help! My Child Can’t Focus and Won’t Stay Still: Medications for ADHD

Controversy swirls as to whether ADHD is under-diagnosed or over-diagnosed in children of school age and concerns regarding the benefits vs. the risks of stimulant use in pediatric populations remain a hotly debated topic.

Key learning points of this seminar:

  • Debunking commonly held myths about ADHD
  • The etiology of the disorder – it’s not what most people think!
  • Stimulant use – safe and effective? What about long-term use?
  • Dependency concerns and drug holidays

Solving Psychotropic Medication Dilemmas

When it comes to psychiatric medication, clients will make their own choices – on their own terms and in their own time, often giving little if any credence to the input of the treating clinician.

Issues discussed include:

  • The often rocky road toward a psychotropic medication evaluation
  • Techniques for helping clients overcome resistance to psychotropic medication
  • Strategies for maintaining compliance
  • Teaching clients how to maximize the benefits of physician office visits

What Participants are Saying:

“Joe Wegmann is simply the best Psychopharmacology speaker I have ever encountered. At every conference my company invites him to speak, we have to bring in extra chairs to meet the demand.”

Wallace Long, President
Continuing Education Productions, Inc.

“I have taken a psychopharm course every CEU cycle of my career, and I am also an RN. This is the best, most scientific, most expert presentation I have ever been privileged to attend! Thank you.”

Deborah, RN

“Dr. Wegmann’s ability to simplify and clearly articulate the concepts of Psychopharmacology holds him in high regard among MSW students at Southern University, New Orleans.”

Dr. Ronald J. Mancoske, ACSW
LCSW #2337
Professor of Social Work
Southern University at New Orleans

“On Friday, February 5th 2010, Joe Wegmann, P.D., L.C.S.W., presented a six -hour psychopharmacology seminar to sixty-five NCADD-NJ clinicians. Joe proved to be an exceptionally gifted speaker on the topic of psychotropic medication in that he captured staff’s attention for the entire day and presented difficult material in an uncomplicated, organized way. I highly recommend this training for all behavioral health practitioners.”

Luci Doppler
Clinical Director
NCADD-NJ

“. . . consistently been rated as a superior trainer who presented (the side effects of psychotropic medications & the pertinence of the DSM IV-TR) in an understandable format, with examples relevant to the child and family clients of staff . . . well organized and entertaining.”

Rebecca L. Corbello, MSW, LCSW-BACS
Regional Administrator
Office of Community Services
Greater New Orleans Region/Jefferson District

“Mr. Wegmann’s training for our Child Protection staff has been invaluable in our work with clients, understanding the use of medication in treatment of mental disorders and hopefully improving the outcomes for our client population.”

Robert H. Couvillon, LCSW, BACS
Regional Administrator
Office of Community Services
Covington District

“ . . . provides invaluable information for nursing assessments and nurse-based patient teaching. The clear and concise method in which information is delivered makes incorporating the facts into the nursing Process an easy task.”

Debra C. Godsey, RN, CLNC
Director of Nursing