Why can't psychologists prescribe medication?

Answer 1

Because they are not trained to. Psychologists are PhDs, not MDs like psychiatrists; only the latter are trained and allowed to prescribe medicines.

Answer 2

In some states, like New Mexico, where psychiatrists are in short supply, psychologists can prescribe medication with extra training and certification.
The reason why psychologists can't prescribe is that they do not receive the breadth of training that a psychiatrist receives. Psychologists do take courses in biological psychology, neurology (sometimes) and psychpharmacology. However, they don't really learn enough to safely prescribe meds after 3 semesters.
One of the arguments to support prescribing privileges is that as many as 70% of all psychotropic medications are prescribed by general practitioners, who are highly trained, but receive minimal training in psychopathology and psychpharmacology. So, if a gp can prescribe with minimal training, why not a psychologist with more training?
I've included a good article if I am not explaining myself clearly.

Answer 3

Because the arent MD's which mean they dont have a medical doctors agree. They only have phds saying they went to school to be a psychologist.

Answer 4

No, a psychologist can no longer prescribe drugs. it is the prevalent distinction between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, somebody who can prescribe drugs. uncomplicated melancholy drugs are Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac. there's a wealth of counsel approximately melancholy and its linked indicators and coverings on the information superhighway. a number of drugs businesses have web content that no longer basically sell their drug yet additionally furnish counsel to the patron. additionally, in case you have a relatives scientific professional which you have have been given been to previously, somebody it is conscious your history, that could be yet another solid source of counsel. your loved ones scientific professional could additionally lead you in instructions that don't contain drugs.

Answer 5

because they are trained to deal with the sociological aspect of behaviors and not medical......they talk problems out, whereas psychiatrists prescribe medication

Answer 6

They are not licensed to prescribe medication. PSYCHIATRISTS, on the other hand, do prescribe medication.

Answer 7

lots of medications have serious side effects. Without proper medical training, and an understanding of patient reactions to perscriptions, potentially they could kill someone or make them much sicker.

Answer 8

Because they do not have an MD (medical doctor) degree.

Answer 9

yeah, Just like everyone already said before. We wanna know more of what goes on in your head rather than your biological situation! unless your a firm BioPhycologist.

Answer 10

Because they aren't medical doctors.