In this episode of Pharmacy Focus, a podcast by Pharmacy Times®, Gustavo Alva, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist who is a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, discusses mental health awareness among both patients and pharmacists, explaining the importance of proper counseling and education on available resources for both groups. Alva highlights that pharmacists have the ability to be mental health advocates for patients with their front-facing role in the health care system and carry the responsibility of providing patients accurate information and supportive care when discussing their mental health.
Episode Timestamps
2:39: Why is it important to care about your mental health?
4:20: How can pharmacists effectively support patients with mental health conditions and provide them proper counseling?
6:11: What are subtle signs of mental health struggles that pharmacists may notice in their patients, and how can they look out for them?
9:55: What are some of the best practices for addressing medication adherence challenges?
14:00: What strategies can pharmacists employ to help them manage their own mental health in an often demanding health care environment?
19:20: Can you provide some insight into how pharmacy teams can foster a more supportive and stigma-free environment for discussing mental health, both among colleagues and their patients?
21:30: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Key Takeaways
1. Pharmacists Play a Crucial Role in Mental Health Care
As front-line health care providers, pharmacists are well-positioned to detect subtle signs of mental health struggles in patients—such as changes in appearance, behavior, or speech—during routine interactions. They can also provide education, combat stigma, and guide patients toward appropriate treatment options, including long-acting injectables for conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
2. Medication Adherence Requires Personalized Communication
Alva emphasized that effective counseling about medications—especially those with intimidating FDA warnings—requires compassionate, patient-centered communication. Pharmacists should explain expected outcomes, address concerns about side effects, and involve patients in treatment decisions to improve adherence and build trust.
3. Pharmacist Mental Health and Team Support Are Vital
Caring for patients with psychiatric conditions can be emotionally taxing. Pharmacists must prioritize their own well-being by following the same advice they give patients—healthy habits, sleep, and mental stimulation—and foster supportive, stigma-free environments among colleagues to sustain resilience and reduce burnout.
