Role of Board-Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists in child and adolescent psychiatry

In the context of ongoing workforce shortages, rising symptom severity, and increased rates of psychotropic prescribing, the 2021 declaration of a national emergency in child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) has highlighted the need for innovative strategies to address access to quality care. As valued members of the interdisciplinary team, Board-Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists (BCPPs) in CAP are well-positioned to address these needs as they are integrated across various settings (e.g., ambulatory clinics, and psychiatric hospitals) and have expertise in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. As educators and advocates for evidence-based psychotropic medication management, BCPPs in CAP decrease polypharmacy, increase medication adherence and knowledge, and enhance patient outcomes. Given the need for interdisciplinary collaboration among BCPPs, CAP, and primary care providers, it is crucial for pharmacy administrators to respond and recognize the necessity of integrating pharmacy services into CAP and integrating BCPPs into pharmacy departments.