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In some states, Louisiana and New Mexico, some Psychologists can prescribe medications however these professionals have not been to medical school. The military in the US may allow psychologists to prescribe as well. Otherwise, psychiatrists (either MD or DO) would prescribe medications usually, while the psychologist would usually focus on talk therapy.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoUsually, MDs or DOs (Doctors of Medicine or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine) can prescribe medications. Psychologists are PhDs, not MDs, so they are unable to write prescriptions in most states. In contrast, a Psychiatrist went to medical school and is an MD or a DO. In some states, however, laws have been passed to allow certain psychologists to prescribe mental health medications with limited scope. These states are Louisiana and New Mexico.
Psychologists can consult with their patients' physicians in order to recommend medication if they feel it is necessary.
A Psychologist's job is namely to provide counseling and offer advice, maybe some exercises to try etc... They would direct/recommend you to a Doctor or a Psychiatrist (this is what you may be getting confused with as they DO prescribe medicines) if they were worried or thought it was necessary for whatever reason. Hope this helps!
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Can psychologists prescribe medicine?
Psychologist cannot prescribe medications. Psychiatrists can. No, psychologists cannot prescribe medicine. Psychiatrists are the professionals who take medical school and therefore can prescribe medicine.
Is Psychiatry a branch of psychology?
they are pretty much the same except a psychiatrist can prescribe medications while a psychologist can not.
Psychologists are first trained as medical doctors and can prescribe medications to clients?
Not true. A psychologist is a non medical degree. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (physician) with a specialty in psychiatry. Therefore, a psychiatrist can prescribe medicine, where a psychologist cannot.
What mental health specialist is an M.D. who can prescribe medications?
That really is quite a loaded question, as there are actually three... depending upon the state in which you live. The first and most common is the psychiatrist. This individual is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental disorders primarily with psychotropic medications. The second most widely recognized is a psychiatric nurse practitioner. This individual is a registered nurse with a master degree in nursing and advanced training in the assessment and treatment of mental illness. In most states, an NP can prescribe medications. The third and least commonly encountered is a prescribing psychologist. A psychologist as an individual with a doctorate in psychology who has been licensed by a state. To be eligible to prescribe medications he or she has to complete a variety of requirements, usually including a master degree in psychopharmacology and an internship of 100+ cases supervised by a psychiatrist. It's important to note that as of right now, most states do not license prescribing psychologists.
What is a good source for seeking professional mental health?
Start with your doctor. He can recommend someone to you. If I remember right, a psychologist cannot prescribe medications and works with your doctor if medication is needed. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication.
What is a good source for seeking professional mental help?
Start with your doctor. He can recommend someone to you. If I remember right, a psychologist cannot prescribe medications and works with your doctor if medication is needed. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication.
What are the differences between Psychiatrists and Psychologists?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. S/He must attend med school and will be able to dispense prescription medications. A psychologist can counsel people but cannot prescribe medications.
What is a good source for seeking professional mental health help?
Start with your doctor. He can recommend someone to you. If I remember right, a psychologist cannot prescribe medications and works with your doctor if medication is needed. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication.
Can a PMHNP prescribe controlled medications?
A PMHNP can prescribe controlled medications in most states.
Can an optometrist prescribe medications in Missouri?
Optometrists are not medical doctors so they cannot prescribe medications. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors and can prescribe medications in all 50 states.
What does a psychologist rarely do?
diagnose or prescribe medication
Can a licensed clinical psychologist in Illinois prescribe?
Only in New Mexico and Louisiana are there a few licensed clinical psychologists who can prescribe psychotropic medications - after several hundred to a thousand hours, or more, of specialized medical and pharmacological training.s to do whatever they want to
