Psychopharmacology Primer for Psychologists and Therapists
Instructors
Dr. Anita Red, MD
Dr. Mustafa Rehmani, DO
Date & Time
In-person Course
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
12-1:30pm
Location
The Alamo Psychotherapy and Training
6401 Ruby Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90042
Credits
1.5 CEs offered for qualifying professionals
$40 for licensed professionals / $25 for unlicensed
Course Description
This lecture delves into the essential principles of psychopharmacology, specifically tailored for therapists seeking to integrate pharmacological insights into their practice. Participants will explore the fundamental concepts of how medications interact with the brain and body, enhancing their understanding of mental health treatment options available to clients. Additionally, we will go over the most common medications on the market for almost every class, so that the audience is up-to-date.
The course will cover key areas including the mechanism of action of common psychotropic medications, indications for their use, and potential side effects. Emphasis will be placed on the collaborative relationship between therapy and medication management, equipping therapists with the knowledge to better support their clients in conversations about medication.
Through case studies, practical examples, and interactive discussions, attendees will refine their ability to identify when pharmacological intervention may be beneficial, and how to communicate effectively with prescribers.
By the end of the lecture, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of psychopharmacology, enhancing their therapeutic approach and improving outcomes for their clients. Join us to bridge the gap between therapy and medication, ensuring comprehensive care in mental health treatment.
Learning Objectives
Following the completion of this course, learners will be able to:
Identify psychotropic medications from several different classes
Articulate 1st line medications for common psychiatric conditions, as well as those that have an FDA approval
Recognize the advantages of pharmacological treatment
Instructor Credentials
Dr. Anita Red, MD
Anita Red, MD, is a board-certified Adult, Adolescent, and Child Psychiatrist with specialized training that allows for a big-picture view of development across the lifespan. Dr. Red provides high-quality, whole-person care from her self-titled practice, Anita Red, MD, in Pasadena, California. She and her team offer in-person and remote services from the Pasadena office. Telehealth treatment is also available in New York state.
Dr. Red obtained her MD from the University of Texas at Houston Medical School (McGovern Medical School). Before that, she completed an undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry at Howard Payne University (HPU) in Brownwood, Texas. She also achieved an Adult Psychiatry Residency at Los Angeles County USC Medical Center and a subspecialty fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Dr. Red has been recognized for excellence in leadership, clinical care, and dedication to service. She serves in national, state, and local organizations. Currently a National Assembly representative to the American Psychiatry Association (APA), Dr. Red is also the Former President of the Southern California Psychiatric Society — an organization representing 1,000 psychiatrists in Southern California. Dr. Red has served as Treasurer, Secretary, Regional Councilor, Early Career Representative, and Resident/ Fellow Member Representative. She has received various awards and honors throughout her career, such as outstanding service award from the Southern California Psychiatric Society (SCPS), and being recognized as one of Los Angeles and Pasadena Magazine’s Top Doctors.
Dr. Red is a member of the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Psychiatric Association (APA), and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and dedicates her time outside of the office serving as one of the APA assembly representatives from Area 6.
Dr. Mustafa Rehmani, DO
Mustafa Rehmani, DO, is an Adult, Adolescent, and Child Psychiatrist in private practice, providing excellent mental health services. Dr. Rehmani sees patients ages 4 to 64 years from the Anita Red, MD, office in Pasadena, California.
After completing biological sciences and economics undergraduate studies at The University of Rochester in New York, Dr. Rehmani earned a post-bach in religious studies and his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYIT) in Old Westbury. He underwent a year of residency training in family medicine before pursuing his passion in psychiatry. He then completed a residency in adult psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where he trained in the biopsychosocial model. Dr. Rehmani came to Los Angeles to complete his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at LAC/USC Medical Center, where he served as chief fellow during his final year. He gained experience at some of the most prestigious hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. He is currently an assistant clinical professor at USC’s Keck School of Medicine.
Having trained in both the East and West Coasts, Dr. Rehmani has a wide range of experience with psychiatric illnesses affecting all age groups in multiple therapeutic settings. Dr. Rehmani has been described by his patients as warm, empowering, easy to talk to, and someone who “just gets it.” He is dedicated to helping patients realize their potential. Clinical expertise includes child, adolescent, and adult general psychiatry. He specializes in autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, depression, treatment-resistant depression, bipolar spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, psychotic disorders, and psychiatric symptoms in medically complex patients, among others.
For more information or questions contact us at thealamoprograms@gmail.com
Refund policy: Participants seeking a refund can email us at thealamoprograms@gmail.com at least 15 days before the first meeting. Refunds requested 15 days or earlier will receive 100% refund. 14-7 days prior, participants are eligible for a 50% refund. No refund will be provided 6 days prior or less.
Course attendance certificates awarded within 21 days of end of course.
Course meets the qualifications for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit for PhD, LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the American Psychological Association and the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
The Alamo Psychotherapy and Training is a dba of Michelle Harwell Therapy. Michelle Harwell Therapy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Michelle Harwell Therapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
No known conflict of interest or commercial support for Michelle Harwell Therapy, The Alamo Psychotherapy and Training, or the instructor.
Contact Us
To request accommodations for special needs, obtain the grievance policy, report a grievance, request a refund, request more information about the course, or if you have general questions, please email us at thealamoprograms@gmail.com