Pediatricians and Pharmacologically Trained Psychologists

George M. Kapalka earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and holds board certifications in several areas of practice, including clinical psychology, psychopharmacology, child and adolescent psychology, learning disabilities, and forensic psychology. He is an associate professor (tenured, graduate faculty appointment) at Monmouth University where he currently serves as the Interim Chair of the Department of Psychological Counseling. Dr. Kapalka previously taught at several universities, including Fairleigh Dickinson University (within the PhD program in Clinical Psychology) and the New York Institute of Technology (where he served as the Director of Counselor Education).Dr. Kapalka is licensed to practice psychology in NJ, NY, PA and NM and has been in practice for over 20 years. He maintains a private practice that primarily focuses on the treatment of children and adolescents with learning and emotional disorders. Dr. Kapalka completed level 3 psychopharmacology training through the Prescribing Psychologists’ Register, and in his practice he frequently consults with pediatricians about the use of medications in the treatment of children and adolescents. For over a decade, he has been a member of medical staff at Meridian Health, Brick Hospital Division, a primary care hospital. In addition, Dr. Kapalka is school-certified in New Jersey and heads a state-accredited Independent Child Study Team.Dr. Kapalka’s research program has focused on the education and treatment of youth with disruptive disorders, as well as the use of nutritional and herbal supplements in the treatment of children and adolescents. He is an author of four books and dozens of professional publications and presentations. Dr. Kapalka is active in professional and community education and has held dozens of workshops for medical and mental health professionals, teachers, and parents. Dr. Kapalka has been interviewed in newspapers,Internet publications, and on television.

From the reviews: "This book details how pediatricians and psychologists who have training in psychopharmacology can collaborate to better understand and help children. ... The intended audience includes psychologists, pediatricians, and other child mental health clinicians as well as nonphysician prescribers such as nurses, physician assistants, and pharmacists. ... It is a book that every psychologist interested in prescriptive privileges should read." (Gary B. Kaniuk, Doody's Review Service, June, 2011) "The book will primarily appeal to graduate students and practicing clinicians ... nurses, physician's assistants, and other mental health providers may also find the information accessible and directly applicable to their practice. The material in this text is well organized, making it an excellent reference book for clinicians who see clients presenting with diverse psychopathology. ... an excellent resource book for graduate students and clinicians that will have a broad level of appeal because of its applicability and timeliness in the field." (Lisa Fitzgibbons, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 57 (1), January, 2012)

• Preface.- About the Editor.- List of Contributors.- Part I: Foundations of Collaborative Care.- Psychology, Psychopharmacotherapy and Pediatrics: When to Treat and When to Refer.- Collaboration between Pharmacologically Trained Psychologists and Pediatricians: History and Professional Issues.- Part II: Collaboration with Pediatricians in Specific Settings.- The Clinical Experience of RxP-Trained Psychologists Working in Non-RxP States.- The Practice of Medical Psychology in an RxP State: New Opportunities for Comprehensive Pediatric Care.- Integrated Care in Rural Settings.- Collaborative Practice with Pediatricians within the Indian Health Service: Taking Care of Frontier Children.- The Practice of Medical Psychology in a Pediatric Hospital Setting: A Personal Account from an RxP State.- Part III: Collaboration with Pediatricians in Treatment of Specific Disorders.- Collaborative Treatment of Disruptive and Mood Disorders.- Collaboration between Pediatricians and Pharmacologically Trained Psychologists in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in Pediatric Patients.- Collaborative Treatment of Eating Disorders.- Collaborative Treatment of Medical Disorders: The Management of Diabetes.- Collaborating with Pediatricians and Gastroenterologists: A Biopsychosocial Approach to Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders.- Part IV: Future Directions in Pharmacological Collaboration.- Brain Markers: An Emerging Technology with Potential to Enhance Collaboration Between Pediatricians and Pharmacologically Trained Psychologists.- Internship and Fellowship Experiences: Preparing Psychology Trainees for Effective Collaboration with Primary Care Physicians.- The New Face of Psychology Predoctoral Training: Psychopharmacology and Collaborative Care.- RxP Training Informs the Practice of Supervision of Non-Pharmacologically Trained Mental Health Practitioners.