Deprescribing Psychiatric Medications: Evidence-Based Approaches to Safe Tapering and Clinical Decision-Making

About the Training

Psychiatric medications are a cornerstone of treatment for many mental health conditions; however, long-term pharmacotherapy is not always appropriate or desired. As increasing numbers of individuals seek to reduce or discontinue psychiatric medications, mental health professionals are uniquely positioned to recognize concerns, support clients throughout the deprescribing process, and collaborate effectively with prescribing providers to promote safe, patient-centered care.

This 1-hour continuing education training provides an evidence-informed overview of psychiatric medication deprescribing, including clinical indications for medication reduction, common withdrawal syndromes, differentiating withdrawal from symptom recurrence, and principles of safe tapering. Participants will explore the risks and benefits of deprescribing, factors that influence successful outcomes, and strategies for supporting clients through shared decision-making and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Although non-prescribing clinicians do not direct medication management, they frequently encounter clients experiencing medication changes, withdrawal symptoms, ambivalence about treatment, or concerns regarding long-term medication use. This training equips clinicians with…