Programs

With over 30 years experience with psychotropic medication and with experience both as a medical expert and as a professional counselor, Joe can create for you programming that is customized to your needs. Whether you need a keynote presentation, a breakout session, half-day training, or full-day programming, Joe is eager to help you create the program that will help you achieve your goals.

Here is a sampling of the types of programming Joe can offer:

We’ve Come a Long Way Baby… Or Have We? Are New Classes of Antidepressants Really More Effective?

In the United States, depression is a major cause of disability. Yet according to the National Institute of Mental Health, only 30 percent of people with depression are ever diagnosed. And of this 30 percent, only half are treated. This unique program focuses on the pharmacological treatment options for managing clinical depression, and addresses whether contemporary agents are really more effective than their predecessors. The safety and efficacy of herbal remedies are addressed as well as “mechanical strategies” such as electroconvulsive treatment, transcranial magnetic stimulation and vagal nerve stimulation. The program concludes with a discussion of the important role that clinicians play in assisting clients at managing their depression by offering specific recommendations for providing hope, education, empowerment and advocacy.

Runaway Norepinephrine and Neurons Gone Wild! Medicating Bipolar Disorder

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 outlines the myriad medication options for treating bipolar disorder such as lithium, anticonvulsants and second generation antipsychotics. It stresses how imperative it is that clinicians develop an integrated intervention plan for bipolar clients that targets strategies for maintaining medication compliance, dealing with resistance, managing the risk of suicide and enlisting the support of family members.

Ethical Issues and Psychotropic Medication: Protecting the Client, Medication Controversies, and Building Collaborative Relationships

With a flurry of “black box” warnings and a growing number of psychiatric medications being prescribed for “off label” indications, it’s no wonder that the use of these drugs in potentially vulnerable populations like children, adolescents and the elderly has become increasingly questionable and controversial. This program explores the ethics of prescribing psychotropics for these age groups and offers concrete suggestions to parents, guardians and caregivers faced with this potential dilemma. Learn ethical approaches to handling a client’s right to refuse medication and how leveraging physician authority can help build satisfying and productive collaborative relationships.

The Personal and Professional Risks of “Burning the Midnight Oil”- Is Medication an Option?

Executives, professionals are you getting enough sleep? Does the stress of business ownership in this troubling and uncertain economic climate have your mind racing and your feet dragging? This compelling talk zeroes in on the safest and most effective drug treatment options for the stressed out, sleep deprived executive facing burnout. The benefits, risks and special considerations pursuant to medication use will be addressed, as well as efficient ways to access the most competent medication prescribers.

Expectant Mothers, the Young, and the Challenges of Father Time

This comprehensive program targets the swirling controversies associated with psychiatric medication use in our most at-risk populations: pregnant women, children and the elderly. Evidence-based information specific to the safety and efficacy of drug use in these groups together with pragmatic recommendations for parents, guardians and caretakers facing these situations highlights the discussion. Topics include: Psychotropics and fetal risk; dosing concerns and “polypharmacy” in the elderly; and medicating pediatric depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and ADHD.

What others are saying:

” . . . 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