Should Psychologists Have Prescription Privileges?

1012 Words3 Pages

Should Psychologists Have Prescription Privileges?

The debate over the right of clinical psychologists to prescribe psychoactive medications is certainly not new to the scene. In fact, the debate spans over the past two decades with strong arguments on each end of the spectrum. While opponents to the issue question, among many other things, the qualifications of psychologists, advocates on the issue stress the important public needs that are not currently being met in our mental healthcare system (Lavoie & Barone, 2006). Although the issue of prescription privileges for psychologist stems back many years with plenty of arguments on both sides, I believe the evidence presents a clear and evident solution on the topic. Based on research articles and journals in this field of study, I find that new standards for prescription privileges would pose a substantial benefit for mental health professionals, both psychologist and psychiatrists. Prescription privileges in today’s world would essentially broaden public access and availability to the mental health professionals who have the powers to prescribe (Lavoie & Fleet, 2002).

We have already seen numerous changes in the field of psychology, and these have yielded new opportunities and roles for psychologists not to mention the added benefits and new comprehensive services presented to the public. In his publication titled, Responding to Society’s Needs: Prescription Privileges for Psychologists, in the Journal Of Clinical Psychology, Norfleet urges the need for this continued trend in our future, and strongly advocates the need for prescription privileges to be a part of the equation. The author clearly lays out the importance of this advancement in the field of psychology by stress...

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...ss the nation today.

References

DeNelsky, G. Y. (1996). The case against prescription privileges for psychologists. American Psychologist, 51(3), 207-212. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.51.3.207

Heiby, E. M. (2002). Prescription Privileges for Psychologists: Can Differing Views Be Reconciled?. Journal Of Clinical Psychology, 58(6), 589-597.

Lavoie, K. L., & Barone, S. (2006). Prescription Privileges for Psychologists: A Comprehensive Review and Critical Analysis of Current Issues and Controversies.CNS Drugs, 20(1), 51-66.

Lavoie, K. L., & Fleet, R. P. (2002). Should Psychologists Be Granted Prescription Privileges? A Review of the Prescription Privilege Debate for Psychiatrists. Canadian Journal Of Psychiatry, 47(5), 443.

Norfleet, M. (2002). Responding to Society's Needs: Prescription Privileges for Psychologists. Journal Of Clinical Psychology, 58(6), 599-610.

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