They must also be proficient in clinical problem solving, interprofessionalism, and communication with understanding and empathy for the patient population they serve, as they are a sensitive group.
During this time, the University of Tennessee created contracts which allowed for pharmacy dispensing and clinical services for local psychiatric facilities.
[7] Dr. Matthew Fuller PharmD, BCPP, FASHP, CPNP Foundation President 2006–2007, has recognized Dr. Stimmel as the "Father of Psychiatric Pharmacy.
[14] Notable psychiatric pharmacists include Professor David Taylor, foundation president of the college of mental health pharmacy.
They provide a variety of services aimed at making sure that patients are treated safely, that side effects are minimized (if not eliminated), and that pharmacologic treatments are efficacious at controlling or halting disease progression.
[15][16] Psychiatric pharmacists provide therapeutic drug monitoring, which involves ordering laboratory tests that will measure the concentration of a medication in the blood.
There is a lot of potential for severe adverse reactions when using certain psychiatric medications, making therapeutic drug monitoring a useful tool for preventing harmful outcomes.