Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety and OCD: A Comprehensive Clinical Guide

 

Anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are among the most prevalent and impairing mental health conditions across the lifespan. While many individuals respond well to evidence-based psychotherapy and standard medication approaches, clinicians are frequently faced with complex presentations that require a deeper understanding of pharmacologic treatment options.

This four-part, self-paced course provides clinicians and mental health professionals with a practical and comprehensive overview of pharmacotherapy for anxiety disorders and OCD. Participants will explore the neurobiology of anxiety, the role of medication within evidence-based treatment, and the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medications used to treat anxiety disorders and OCD.

Topics include the appropriate use of SSRIs, SNRIs, and other medication classes, medication selection considerations, side effects and adverse reactions, treatment planning, and strategies for managing severe, complex, and treatment-resistant presentations. Through case examples and clinical discussion, participants will learn how pharmacotherapy can support exposure-based interventions and improve functional outcomes for clients.

The course concludes with an extended Q&A session addressing common clinical challenges, treatment considerations for comorbid conditions, and emerging developments in anxiety and OCD treatment.

Target Audience

This course is designed for mental health professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of evidence-based pharmacotherapy for anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is appropriate for psychologists, social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and other behavioral health professionals who work with adolescents, young adults, and adults experiencing anxiety and related disorders. The course may be particularly valuable for clinicians who collaborate with prescribing providers, support clients receiving medication treatment, or wish to deepen their understanding of how pharmacotherapy can be integrated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and other evidence-based interventions.

Learning Objectives

-Review the neurobiology and core mechanisms underlying anxiety disorders and OCD. -Describe the role of pharmacotherapy within evidence-based treatment for anxiety and OCD. -Identify commonly prescribed medications, including indications, benefits, limitations, and potential side effects. -Differentiate between common side effects and serious adverse reactions. -Apply pharmacologic treatment principles to severe, complex, and treatment-resistant cases. -Integrate medication management considerations with CBT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) treatment approaches.

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 4.00 ASWB continuing education credits

    Social Workers
    As a Jointly Accredited Organization, AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. AKH Inc. Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 4.00 continuing education credits.

  • 4.00 Attendance

    Credits: 4.00

  • 4.00 NY Psychologists

    4.00

  • 4.00 NY Social Workers

    New York State Social Workers
    AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0233. Awarded credit: 4.00 contact hour(s).

Course opens: 
06/08/2026
Course expires: 
06/08/2027
Cost:
$0.00
Rating: 
0

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare and Anxiety Institute.  AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team

 

Psychologists
Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibly for the content of the programs.

 

New York State Psychologists
AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists. # PSY 0290
Awarded credit: 4.0 contact hour(s).

 

Social Workers
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. AKH Inc. Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 4.0  continuing education credits.

 

New York State Social Workers
AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0233.
Awarded credit: 4.0  contact hour(s).

Available Credit

  • 4.00 ASWB continuing education credits

    Social Workers
    As a Jointly Accredited Organization, AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. AKH Inc. Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 4.00 continuing education credits.

  • 4.00 Attendance

    Credits: 4.00

  • 4.00 NY Psychologists

    4.00

  • 4.00 NY Social Workers

    New York State Social Workers
    AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0233. Awarded credit: 4.00 contact hour(s).

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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