From Doubt to Dedication: How Provider Perspectives Changed Regarding Long-Acting Injectables

Long-acting injectables (LAIs) have transformed the treatment landscape for several mental health disorders, promoting improved treatment adherence and leading to better patient outcomes, including reduced relapse rates and fewer hospitalizations. Despite these benefits, the use of LAIs—especially in the early stages of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder—remains underutilized. One major factor contributing to this hesitation among providers is the persistence of negative perceptions and misconceptions about LAIs, including doubts about patient receptiveness and concerns about the treatment mechanism itself.

These on-demand recordings feature firsthand insights from Stephanie Stecker, PMHNP-BC, and Jessica Bettinger, PMHNP-BC, who share their own journeys from initial resistance to becoming advocates of LAI use for appropriate patients. They discuss the sources of their early reservations, the factors that challenged their preconceptions, and the experiences that ultimately shifted their perspectives to view LAIs as a valuable option in mental health treatment.

Featuring

Jessica Bettinger, PMHNP-BC

BlueRidge Vista Behavioral Hospital, Cincinnati, OH

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Jessica Bettinger, PMHNP-BC, earned her Master of Science in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing from Northern Kentucky University in 2020. She completed her clinical training at Christ Hospital, focusing on acute inpatient psychiatry, and gained additional experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings at Children’s/LCOH in Cincinnati, OH. Over the past four years, Jessica has worked as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in community mental health and inpatient psychiatry, serving patients across the Cincinnati metropolitan area who face a range of acute and chronic psychiatric conditions.

Stephanie Stecker, PMHNP-BC

On Demand Counseling , Boardman, OH

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Stephanie Stecker, PMHNP, received her Master of Science in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing from Walden University in 2021. With over 20 years of experience as a mental health nurse and PMHNP in behavioral medicine, she brings specialized knowledge in managing complex mental health conditions and personalizing treatment plans for patients with multiple psychiatric disorders. Currently, Stephanie practices at OnDemand Counseling, a comprehensive facility for mental health and addiction treatment.

Ms. Jessica Bettinger, PMHNP-BC and Ms. Stephanie Stecker, PMHNP-BC are paid consultants of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc.