TOPIC. Complementary and alternative medicine agents (CAMs). Purpose. To summarize the current empirical data about the major CAMs purporting to have psychotherapeutic value. Sources of information. Extant literature. Conclusions. Available evidence indicates that CAMs, while generally safe, are not risk free. While CAM use grows, nurses and other health professionals have a limited knowledge base about the action, side effects, and interactions of common CAM agents. Nurses need to increase their knowledge base about CAMs in order to help patients in decision making regarding the use of these agents to treat common psychiatric symptoms.