Should clinical & counseling psychologists be able to prescribe medicine?

Question

In psychology class today, my professor said that a handful of states, like Hawaii and New Mexico, allow psychologists to prescribe certain medications as long as they complete additional post-doctorate education. In your opinion, is this progressive? Or are they unqualified? Why/Why Not?

For all you overachievers :), feel free to answer this as well: If other states follow this example, what does this mean for psychiatry?

Answer 1

I think this sounds like a good idea worthy of a trial run. I wonder what the history is like in the states that allow it. I would also like to mention prescribing drugs now is the special privilege of psychiatrists, who are doctors, who is are represented by the AMA, and the AMA is a very,very powerful lobby group. Why would psychiatrists go for this?

Answer 2

A Psychologist is a PHD and Psychiatrist is a MD and hence can prescribe medicines. Physchologist can not prescribe meds and can only do counseling only. Some Psychiatrist just prescribe and manage meds while others do a combination of prescriptions and therapy. Becoming a Psychiatrist is a LOT harder because you need a college degree and then have to go to medical school and then have to specialize in Psychiatry. To be a Psychologist you need a regular degree and then a few years of graduate school and while not easy it is considered a lot more easy than medical school.

Answer 3

charlotte is a dorkk lol