Prescribing Medication Privileges for Psychologists

In most jurisdictions, psychologists lack the authority to prescribe medications to their patients. However, certain states allow psychologists to fulfill this role, provided they fulfill specific training and certification criteria.

States Allowing Psychologists to Prescribe Medications

• Illinois
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• New Mexico

In addition, Louisiana and New Mexico permit psychologists meeting the requirements to prescribe medications while working for the military or Indian Health Service.

Training Requirements

Aspiring psychologists who wish to prescribe medications must complete additional training in psychopharmacology. These requirements vary across states, but typically include:

• Postdoctoral master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology
• Didactic instruction in psychopharmacology
• Supervised clinical experience in psychopharmacology

Arguments in Favor of Medication Prescribing Privileges for Psychologists

Proponents of granting prescribing privileges to psychologists maintain that:

• Psychologists possess the necessary education and training to prescribe medications safely and effectively.
• Granting such privileges to psychologists would expand access to mental healthcare, particularly in rural or underserved areas.
• Psychologists can provide comprehensive mental healthcare by combining medication and psychotherapy.

Arguments Against Psychologists Having Medication Prescribing Privileges

Opponents of granting prescribing privileges to psychologists contend that:

• Psychologists lack the comprehensive medical training received by psychiatrists and medical doctors.
• Allowing psychologists to prescribe medications could result in overuse and abuse of medications.
• Psychologists may not have sufficient knowledge about the potential side effects of medications, as compared to psychiatrists or medical doctors.

The Ongoing Debate

The discussion about whether psychologists should be granted medication prescribing privileges remains unresolved. Both sides present compelling arguments. Ultimately, individual states hold the authority to decide whether to grant such privileges.

Non-Physicians with Prescribing Privileges

Psychologists are not the only non-physicians with medication prescribing privileges. Advanced psychiatric nurses often have prescriptive authority, although the extent of their authority varies depending on state regulations.