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Most locations do not permit a psychologist to prescribe drugs; however, there is a lot of discussion going on about this topic and some states have passed laws to permit this practice.

Psychologists and psychiatrists receive different training. Psychiatrists receive medical training which allows them to understand drugs and chemistry, how drugs affect the human body and brain chemistry, side effects and how to counter those side effects, and a lot of other medical information that a psychologist does not receive.

If a psychologist feels that they need this privilege; they should get the additional training so they can safely prescribe these drugs. If they get the training, then they are no longer a "psychologist"; they become a "psychiatrist".

This distinction between the designations was needed when there were not enough psychiatrists to go around. It takes less time to become a psychologist and they could train a lot of psychologists who could treat patients and then refer the ones who needed drugs to the psychiatrist. It is like a general practice doctor and a heart surgeon. The doctor is qualified to help their patients with heart trouble in many ways; but, when surgery is needed the patient is referred to the person who is BEST qualified by their TRAINING to perform the proper procedure, the surgeon.

Giving a partially trained person all the rights and privileges of a fully trained person is dangerous. It would be like taking a cook from McDonald's and making them the hospital nutritionist without any additional training.

Learn more about this author, Ginger Kazay.
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