Provision of Mental and Behavioral Health Supports and Services by Pharmacists in Washington State.

Abstract

Pharmacists are highly accessible healthcare professionals with presence in communities, hospitals, and clinics. They are well positioned to expand their roles in supporting individuals with mental health challenges. A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify trends in how pharmacists assess, monitor, identify, and care for patients with mental health challenges. The survey was distributed to licensed pharmacists in Washington State (n = 8,082) in 2023. Questions addressed the provision of mental health supports and services provided by pharmacists, respondents' self-assessed preparedness in delivering services, and professional and personal demographics. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. A total of 856 responses were received (10.6%) and 810 were included in the final dataset. Most respondents held a PharmD degree (74%). Common practice environments included community (37%), hospital (27%), and clinic (21%) settings. Less than 1% were board-certified psychiatric pharmacists. The most common mental health services provided involved medication-related services, including talking to patients regarding psychiatric medication (51%), consulting with physicians (47%), and assessing side effects (45%). Over 60% of pharmacists reported being prepared to deliver these services. Less than 30% of pharmacists indicated they were prepared to conduct mental health screenings or make referrals, and provision of these services was low. A statistically significant association was found between preparedness and providing supports and services (p < 0.001). Overall, pharmacists indicated they were more prepared and frequently delivered services related to medication use for mental health indications, while preparedness and offerings for non-medication activities was low, highlighting opportunities for further professional development.