Pharmacotherapy is the cornerstone of practice for many psychiatrists today. The busy clinician may have only 20 minutes with each patient to prescribe, monitor, and initiate changes in the medication regimen.Yet even as the field of psychiatry evolves, the doctor-patient relationship still plays a critical role in clinical course and outcome of treatment. This invaluable book shows prescribing clinicians how to make the most of limited time with patients to establish a strong therapeutic relationship and maximize treatment adherence. Concise guidelines are provided for rapidly building the therapeutic alliance; conducting a thorough diagnostic interview; eliciting open, honest reports from patients on the effects of medications; and helping patients address interpersonal issues that may be hindering treatment. Also explored are ways to enhance collaboration between professionals when the treatment is split between a psychotherapist and a prescribing physician. Demonstrating how to put the principles discussed into daily practice, the book includes a wealth of clearly presented case examples.