Collaborative Psychiatry QuickTakes

Collaborative Psychiatry
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Short, high-yield tips on managing mental health disorder in primary care and other non-psychiatric settings. For more information on managing mental health in primary care, see our website at collaborative-psychiatry.org. To access the printable PDF clinical resources and patient handouts associated with each episode, check out the QuickTake pages at collaborative-psychiatry.org/quicktakes.

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    The Antidepressant Switch Guide: When to Switch and How to do it Right

    Get more high-yield learning on psychiatric management in primary care and outpatient practice at collaborative-psychiatry.org. Switching antidepressants is one of the most common—and often most confusing—tasks in primary care and outpatient mental health management. In this episode, we’ll walk through a clear, practical framework for how to approach antidepressant switches with confidence. You’ll learn when to consider switching, how to choose a new medication, and how to carry out the transition using one of three main strategies: taper and switch, direct switch, or cross-taper. We’ll cover how to assess withdrawal risk, use loose dose equivalence ranges, and tailor your approach based on patient needs and medication classes. Whether you’re dealing with a lack of response, antidepressant burnout, or just want to make a strategic change, this guide will help you do it safely and effectively. For access to the Show Notes as well as the downloadable clinical references and patients handouts associated with this episode, visit the Episode Page. There, QuickTake Members will find: A quick-reference overview of how to switch antidepressants, and a rating of withdrawal risk by medication. A flowchart detailing when to employ each of the three switching strategies. A table with approximate dose-range equivalencies for the major antidepressants, to aid in planning switches. Example cross-tapers, to help guide you when designing your own. An informational handout for patients about switching antidepressants. Also includes a schedule on second page that can be filled in to provide instructions. For a deep dive on managing antidepressants and treating depression in primary care, check out our Audio Course Managing Depression in Primary Care. Learning Objectives By the end of this episode, you'll be able to: Identify common clinical scenarios that warrant switching antidepressant medications, including inadequate response and antidepressant tolerance (“burnout”). Differentiate between the three primary strategies for switching antidepressants—taper and switch, direct switch, and cross-taper—and describe the risks and benefits of each. Apply a dose-range framework to guide antidepressant transitions, using low, medium, and high dose equivalents across common medications. Evaluate antidepressant withdrawal risk based on medication class and duration of treatment, and incorporate this risk into switch planning.

    14 min
  2. Psychiatric Screeners in Primary Care: Cutting Through the Noise

    12/15/2025

    Psychiatric Screeners in Primary Care: Cutting Through the Noise

    Get more high-yield learning on psychiatric management in primary care and outpatient practice at collaborative-psychiatry.org. In this high-yield episode, we break down five psychiatric screeners every primary care provider should have in their toolbox: the PHQ-9, GAD-7, C-SSRS, Rapid Mood Screener, and Maclean Screening Instrument for BPD. You'll learn when and how to use each screener to streamline your workflow, sharpen your diagnostic thinking, and navigate complex mental health presentations. Whether you're managing depression, anxiety, suicidality, bipolar disorder, or borderline traits, these tools can help you focus your assessment and guide smarter treatment decisions--without adding to your cognitive load or taxing your time. For access to the Show Notes as well as the downloadable clinical references and patients handouts associated with this episode, visit the Episode Page. There you will find: Direct links to all screeners discussed in this episode A quick-reference chart reviewing the most helpful psychiatric self-report screeners for general use in primary care A flow chart describing how and when to use psychiatric screeners in your clinical workflow A quick-reference chart describing a case-based approach to use of these screeners A quick-reference tool to assist in differentiating Bipolar Disorder from Borderline Personality Disorder, including questions you can use to guide the process. For a deep dive on managing antidepressants and treating depression in primary care, check out our Audio Course on Managing Depression in Primary Care. Learning Objectives By the end of this episode, you'll be able to: Identify a go-to psychiatric screener for depression, anxiety, suicidality, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder in primary care. Determine when to use each screener—before, during, or between visits—to streamline your workflow. Apply targeted screening to help distinguish between complex conditions such as bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.

    15 min
  3. Buprenorphine from the Ground Up: Understanding Mechanism, Safety and Clinical Use

    12/01/2025

    Buprenorphine from the Ground Up: Understanding Mechanism, Safety and Clinical Use

    Get more high-yield learning on psychiatric management in primary care and outpatient practice at collaborative-psychiatry.org. Buprenorphine is one of the most powerful tools we have to fight the opioid epidemic but many primary care providers still feel uncertain about how and when to use it. In this episode, we break down the key pharmacologic concepts behind buprenorphine’s safety, misuse potential, and clinical challenges. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of partial agonism, receptor affinity, and the mechanism behind precipitated withdrawal—so you can prescribe with more confidence. For access to the Show Notes as well as the downloadable clinical references and patients handouts associated with this episode, visit the Episode Page. There, QuickTake Members will find: A quick-reference review of how buprenorphine works A suboxone initiation guide A patient handout on precipitated withdrawal For a deep dive on managing antidepressants and treating depression in primary care, check out our Audio Course Managing Depression in Primary Care. Learning Objectives By the end of this episode, you'll be able to: Differentiate between partial and full agonism at the mu opioid receptor, and explain how partial agonism contributes to buprenorphine’s safety and reduced misuse potential. Describe the clinical implications of buprenorphine’s high receptor affinity, including its blocking effect on full agonist opioids. Analyze the receptor-level mechanism of precipitated withdrawal, and identify the conditions under which it may occur.

    15 min
  4. Stimulants, Simplified: A Primary Care Framework for Choosing and Using ADHD Meds

    11/17/2025

    Stimulants, Simplified: A Primary Care Framework for Choosing and Using ADHD Meds

    Feeling overwhelmed by the endless list of ADHD medications? In this episode, we break down stimulant prescribing into a simple, practical framework designed for busy primary care providers. You’ll learn how to distinguish between amphetamine and methylphenidate classes, when to start with each, and how to think about long-acting vs. short-acting formulations. By the end, you’ll feel more confident starting and adjusting the core stimulant medications, without needing to memorize the innumerable brand names. Whether you're new to ADHD treatment or just looking for a clearer mental model, this episode offers a streamlined approach you can put into practice right away. For access to the Show Notes as well as the downloadable clinical references and patients handouts associated with this episode, visit the Episode Page. There, QuickTake Members will find: A stimulant reference chart A stimulant prescribing flowchart Patient handouts on amphetamines and methylphenidates A stimulant medication and skill use tracker for patients For a deep dive on managing antidepressants and treating depression in primary care, check out our Audio Course Managing Depression in Primary Care. Learning Objectives By the end of this episode, you'll be able to: Identify the two main stimulant classes used to treat ADHD in adults and understand their core similarities and differences. Apply a practical framework for choosing between amphetamine and methylphenidate classes based on symptom severity and patient characteristics. Confidently select from a core group of stimulant medications and adjust dosing using long-acting and short-acting formulations for optimal symptom control throughout the day.

    17 min
  5. Not All Inattention Is ADHD: A Practical Framework for PCPs

    11/03/2025

    Not All Inattention Is ADHD: A Practical Framework for PCPs

    In this episode, we take a step back from the rush to diagnose and explore why so many adults are reporting attention difficulties today — and how primary care providers can begin to thoughtfully assess for ADHD. We unpack sociocultural forces shaping the rise in self-diagnosis, discuss the limitations of adult-onset ADHD as a clinical entity, and offer a practical entry point for evaluating attentional complaints using tools like the ASRS and WURS. If you’ve been feeling unsure about how to approach adult ADHD in a busy primary care setting, this episode offers a clear and manageable starting point. For access to the Show Notes as well as the downloadable clinical references and patients handouts associated with this episode, visit the Episode Page. There, if you sign up for a free membership, you'll find: Links to the ASRS and WURS screeners A quick-reference reviewing the key points on evaluating ADHD in aduls A table reviewing the differential for chief complaints of inattention A patient handout on "Why you might feel distracted" that helps patient understand other factors involved in their (in)attention A patient handout on "How to improve focus without medications" that works for those with and without ADHD For a deep dive on managing antidepressants and treating depression in primary care, check out our Audio Course Managing Depression in Primary Care. Learning Objectives By the end of this episode, you'll be able to: Recognize the sociocultural and environmental trends contributing to increased self-reported attentional difficulties in adults. Describe key clinical considerations that may suggest a diagnosis of ADHD versus other contributing factors Outline a basic approach for initiating an ADHD assessment in primary care, including the use of the ASRS and WURS screening tools

    15 min
  6. SSRI Side Effects Decoded: Timing, Switching and What Actually Works

    10/27/2025

    SSRI Side Effects Decoded: Timing, Switching and What Actually Works

    SSRIs are among the most widely prescribed medications in primary care, but side effects are one of the top reasons patients stop taking them. Nausea, fatigue, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction can derail treatment before it even has a chance to work. In this episode, we decode the four most common SSRI/SNRI side effect domains and give you a clear, practical framework for managing each one. Learn how to set expectations early, adjust timing, and use targeted strategies to help your patients stay on track and feel better faster. If you’ve ever found yourself guessing how to manage SSRI side effects, this episode gives you the confidence to handle them head-on. For access to the Show Notes as well as the downloadable clinical references and patients handouts associated with this episode, visit the Episode Page. There, if you sign up for a free membership, you'll find: A clinical reference sheet on managing SSRI-related side effects, for quick recall of the topics discussed in this episodes An SSRI comparison table comparing the various antidepressant and their clinical + side effects An SSRI counseling phrase sheet to help you discuss these issues with patients A patient handout on What to Expect When Starting an SSRI A patient handout on Sexual Side Effects from SSRIs For more comprehensive guidance on managing antidepressants and treating depression in primary care, check out our Audio Course Managing Depression in Primary Care. Learning Objectives By the end of this episode, you'll be able to: Recognize the most common early-onset side effects of SSRIs (e.g., GI upset and headaches) and apply evidence-based strategies to counsel patients and manage these symptoms. Differentiate between more activating and more sedating SSRIs, and implement p ractical dosing schedule adjustments to mitigate energy-related side effects. Identify pharmacologic interventions for SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction and weight gain, including when to switch medications versus when to consider adjunctive treatments (e.g., bupropion, buspirone, PDE-5 inhibitors).

    14 min
  7. An Introduction to Collaborative Psychiatry QuickTakes

    10/26/2025

    An Introduction to Collaborative Psychiatry QuickTakes

    Bringing practical psychiatry to primary care. Checkout the website for the episode pages and access to all of the clinical resources: QuickTakes Page.

    1 min
  • 7 Episodes

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Short, high-yield tips on managing mental health disorder in primary care and other non-psychiatric settings. For more information on managing mental health in primary care, see our website at collaborative-psychiatry.org. To access the printable PDF clinical resources and patient handouts associated with each episode, check out the QuickTake pages at collaborative-psychiatry.org/quicktakes.

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