Question

Do you think clinical psychologists should be granted prescription privileges? Why or why not? How, if at all, might the ability to write prescriptions affect the practice of clinical psychology?

Answer 1

Most of the psychological disorders stem from the neurological dysfunction. This would mean that it’s not just the environmental factors that contribute to the psychological well-being. Thus, if the clinical psychologists are equipped with the necessary training regarding the impacts of certain medicines that would aid in reducing the severity of many psychological disorders for which clients approach them. However, they should be regulated and a state license should be given to those who trained to administer such prescriptions. It would also help the clinical psychologists to combine therapy and medicine together for better results and improved benefit of the clients.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer 2

In my view, we should grant clinical psychologists the right to prescribe psychiatric medicines makes total sense, provided they are properly trained and licensed to do so. There are several reasons for this. Clinical psychologists usually complete five or more years of doctoral clinical training in mental health diagnosis and treatment, along with a year long hospital residency. They are also required to practice under supervision for 2000 hours before they can engage in independent practice. During this time, clinical psychologists can become well aware of psychiatric medicines. In fact, clinical psychologists may actually be in a better position than psychiatrists about what medication should br prescribed because they see their patients multiple times per whereas psychiatrists see a patient not more than six times in a year.