Ed Neukrug, Ph.D., Batten Endowed Chair of Counseling in the Darden College of Education & Professional Studies, and Bruce Britton, MD, professor and vice chair for Medical Education at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, have co-authored a book titled “Psychopharmacology and Brain Transforming Interventions: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals,” set to release in February 2025 through Cognella Academic Press. This groundbreaking book combines expertise from across ODU to explore psychotropic medications and brain transforming interventions such as brain stimulation techniques, psychedelic-assisted therapies, complementary and alternative medicines and neurocounseling.
Originally envisioned as a book focused solely on psychopharmacology, the project evolved as the authors explored the broader landscape of mental health treatment.
“When Bruce and I started this book, it was only focused on psychopharmacology; however, as we delved into the efficacy of pharmacology, we realized there were many other brain transforming interventions that can positively impact mental health,” Dr. Neukrug explained.
This realization led to the inclusion of innovative approaches such as brain stimulation techniques, psychedelic-assisted therapies, complementary and alternative medicines and neurocounseling.
By covering psychotropic medications and other brain transforming interventions, this comprehensive and timely resource explores the evolving landscape of mental health treatment. Designed for mental health professionals, the book provides practical charts, case studies and real-world applications to help clinicians make informed treatment decisions in an ever-changing field.
At its core, the book highlights the essential partnership between physicians and counselors in advancing mental health care.
“Physicians and counselors are critical partners in improving the health of those we care for… I hope that this book will improve physician and counselor understanding to enhance the partnership for those we serve,” Dr. Britton said.
By bridging expertise from ODU and Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, this book underscores the institutions’ commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing mental health care in Hampton Roads and beyond. The authors aim to have the book serve as an essential guide for counselors, social workers, psychologists and other mental health professionals striving to integrate cutting-edge interventions into their practice.