Regular Conference Registration Includes:
- Live CPI program June 4-7, 2026 in-person or virtually
- NEW! Get a head start with 10 curated on-demand sessions before the conference – Up to 7.75 pharmacology contact hours
- Post-conference access to CPI presentation recordings and handouts for a full year – Revisit content and earn contact hours for any you missed
*Includes Thursday Pre-Conference Add-on Session, which is an additional fee.
Thurs, June 4 Fri, June 5 Sat, June 6Sun, June 7On-Demand Companion Series
Emergency Psychiatry and Crisis Interventions: Helping People on Their Worst DaysTony Thrasher, DO, MBA, CPE, DFAPA
This will be an interactive discussion focusing on the intersection of mental health and emergency medicine, whether in a hospital setting or someone’s front yard. This conversation will examine the principles, tenets, and therapeutic interventions that can help mitigate risk to both patients and clinicians while accentuating the need for systematic collaboration to achieve the best outcomes.
*Pre-Conference Add-on is an additional fee and not included in regular registration. Access the pre-conference session through the add-on option or the One Day Thursday registration option.
Jared Vega, JD, PMHNP-BC
Have you ever wondered what really happens when a prescribing decision gets looked at by an attorney or your state board? Explore real-life malpractice and State Board actions, review legal pitfalls in psychopharmacology and prescribing, plus documentation best practices to help you protect your license.
The Course and Treatment of Psychiatric Illness During Pregnancy: Lessons Learned Over Two Decades Lee Cohen, MD
David W. Goodman, M.D.
Sponsored by Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.
Wilson Compton, MD, MPE
This keynote will examine the evolving role of cannabis in mental health care, with particular attention to its pharmacologic properties, therapeutic claims, and potential risks. Dr. Compton will discuss current epidemiological data on trends in cannabis use, cannabis use disorders, and effects on psychiatric symptoms.
Oliver Freudenreich, MD, FACLP
Stage-based care can improve the clinical outcome of schizophrenia. It uses a tailored, person-centered approach to treatment, emphasizing stage-specific pharmacotherapy and medical prevention across all stages of illness.
Drug-Induced Movement Disorders: From Recognition to Real-World ManagementKirby Williams, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Drug-induced movement disorders (DIMDs) are common yet often overlooked complications of psychotropic treatment. This session provides a comprehensive, interactive review of DIMD types, risk factors, and assessment strategies, while equipping clinicians with practical, evidence-based approaches to treatment and patient support. Attendees will gain confidence in recognizing and managing DIMDs across real-world clinical scenarios.
ASD & Co-Occurring Conditions: Current & Novel Medical ApproachesAnthony L. Rostain, MD, MA
This presentation will offer in depth knowledge into the changing prevalence & significance of Broad Autism Phenotypes, the sub-categories of ASD and Co-occurring conditions. The various controversies regarding the causes & treatments of ASD will be reviewed. Current medication management of and interventions for the treatment of ASD and co-occurring conditions will be explored from a symptom based perspective; while biomarker-directed strategies will guide treatment approaches related to new & novel pharmacotherapy.
Clearing the Air: The Evidence on Varenicline, Vaping, and Nicotine Cessation TodayJeremy Mills, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
In the years following FDA concerns and a boxed warning on neuropsychiatric events for varenicline, clinicians often underestimate both its effectiveness and safety in treating nicotine dependence. This presentation reviews the latest research on varenicline and other smoking cessation treatments, as well as an overview on the state of vaping and other nicotine delivery methods.
Sponsored by: Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.
Neurocognitive Disorders: Clinical UpdateLyons Hardy, EdD, MSN, PMHNP
This presentation will provide attendees with an overview of updates in the diagnosis and treatment of neurocognitive disorders and their psychiatric manifestations. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy Body disease, vascular dementia, and other neurocognitive disorders will be discussed. Topics to be covered will include biomarkers and diagnostic workups, addressing psychiatric and behavioral symptoms, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Laura Leahy DrNP, APRN, FAANP, FAANB
Advances in neuroscience & psychopharmacology have reshaped how clinicians understand older psychotropic medications. This presentation reframes classic psychopharmacological agents using current neuroscience, receptor-based models and pharmacogenomics. Gain appreciation why certain older medications remain relevant and how to apply this knowledge to individualized treatment planning across psychiatric disorders.
Timing, Treatment, Trust: Shaping the Trajectory of Bipolar DisorderAnyi Atabong, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, PMH-C
This session explores how timely recognition, evidence-based treatment, and therapeutic alliance can alter the long-term trajectory of bipolar disorder.
The Treatment of Eating Disorders including Pharmacological ConsiderationsNatalie Taylor, PMHNP-BC
Psychopharmacology in Vulnerable and Underserved PopulationsGlenn J. Treisman, MD, PhD
Start learning and earning contact hours before the live event with these encore presentations! Ten on-demand psychopharmacology presentations from the 2025 APNA Annual Conference are included with CPI regular conference registration and accessible within 10 days of registering.
Laura Leahy, DrNP, APRN, FAANP, FAAN
The field of CNS drug development is experiencing a resurgence, not seen since the approval of SSRIs and atypical antipsychotics. The identification of novel mechanisms of actions, neurotransmitter sub-receptors, among others is rapidly expanding. This knowledge is essential for PMH nurses to selectively treat patients with depressive & psychotic disorders.
Leslie Laine, PMHNP-BC; Mark Crawford, PMHNP-BC; Alex Sietsma, PMHNP-BC, DNP
This presentation examines psychiatric polypharmacy risks and evidence-based deprescribing strategies. It covers dual antipsychotic use, benzodiazepine and stimulant tapering, and shared decision-making. Attendees will learn to optimize medication regimens using a deprescribing toolkit and interprofessional collaboration to reduce medication overload while maintaining effective treatment.
The presentation highlights the complexities of dual diagnosis care, the importance of integrated treatment approaches, and the need for tailored care plans that address both mental health and substance use. It emphasizes diagnostic accuracy, harm reduction, and relapse prevention to improve patient outcomes.
Beth Kaskel, DNP, A-GNP-C, MSN, RN
Pharmacogenomic testing can help improve depression outcomes by predicting altered drug metabolism and response based on genetic differences between individuals. We will explore the clinical application of pharmacogenomic testing with informative case studies. PMH nurses will learn how to leverage PGx to
deliver efficient care.
Tiffany Pressley, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PMH-BC, CNE, CMSRN; Nina Russell, DNP, FNP-C, MSN-Ed, APRN
This dynamic presentation explores the cardiometabolic risks associated with second-generation antipsychotic medications. It highlights the efficacy of topiramate, metformin, and GLP-1 receptor agonists in managing these risks, including weight loss, improved BMI, enhanced glycemic and lipid profiles, increased medication compliance, and improved self-esteem in patients with psychotic disorders.
Mark Crawford, MSN, PMHNP-BC; Leslie Laine, MSN, PMHNP-BC; Brianna Swanson, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Join this interactive session on managing sleep disorders in psychiatric patients. Explore polypharmacy’s impact, evidence-based pharmacologic strategies, and deprescribing techniques. Through case studies, gain practical tools to balance hypnotics, sedating antidepressants, and antipsychotics while mitigating dependency risks. Special focus on sleep architecture and aligning drug selection to disease processes.
Kristina Isabella Asamsama, MSN, BSN, RN, PMHNP-BC; Brianna N. Swanson, MSN, BSN, RN, PMHNP-BC
Explore optimized management strategies for dementia-related agitation in hospitalized patients that balance pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to ensure patient safety and prevent staff injury. Through case studies and interactive discussions, you’ll learn to apply evidence-based
de-escalation techniques, judiciously use medications, and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration.
Kayla Cross, MSN, MA, ARNP, PMHNP-BC
Explore ways to confront the opioid crisis with effective opioid withdrawal management, medication for opioid use disorder (OUD), and creative interventions focused on harm-reduction, access, engagement and
retention in care for complex populations in diverse clinical settings. Gain practical insights on treating OUD by reducing risks to improve patient outcomes.
Amanda Culp-Roche, PhD, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
This presentation will introduce the newest ASAM/AAAP guidelines for treating stimulant use disorder. The relevance of these guidelines to PMHNP private practice will be discussed and potential ways that PMHNPs can use innovative and collaborative approaches to providing care will be explored.
Deborah Salani, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, NE-BC; Deana Goldin, PhD, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the new ketamine compound called Tusi. Nurses need to be cognizant about this new emerging substance and inquire about usage. Individuals need to be educated about the substances contained in Tusi and possible health complications
“The conference is thoughtfully planned on emerging relevant topics and includes a holistic approach reflecting the full scope and standard of a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.” – 2025 CPI Attendee
Hyatt Regency Reston – shops and eateries just steps away!
“The platform and technology is great (very reliable, organized); the hybrid offering works well for this conference.” – 2025 CPI Attendee
Sessions and product theater presentations conveniently livestreamed to your mobile or desktop device.*
*Ensure you have a device with a high-speed internet connection that supports video streaming and an up-to-date browser. (e.g. Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari)
Connect with fellow psychiatric-mental health nurses, be the first to know about evidence-based resources and programs, and participate in exclusive opportunities to advance the care and treatment of those with mental health & substance use needs.
