The online Applied Psychology programs from Florida Institute of Technology prepare students for graduate-level study and numerous fascinating careers in the field. While not yet common, psychologist careers may include the ability to prescribe medications as part of patient treatment — in certain circumstances and regions.
In 2002, New Mexico became the first state to allow psychologists to prescribe medication to patients. Until then, only psychiatrists had that ability or prescriptive authority, as it’s now known. Since then, the prescribing psychologist movement has spread into other states, including Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa, Idaho, Colorado and Utah.
Some question whether this is a good strategy for patients in the long run. Proponents say the change gives patients — especially those in rural areas where few psychiatrists are available — better access to medication to treat mental disorders. Opponents voice concerns that psychologists lack the knowledge and experience gained by psychiatrists in medical school and clinical residency. It’s a debate expected to continue as more states consider allowing prescribing psychologists.
History of Prescribing Psychologist Movement
The roots of the prescribing psychologist movement go back to the 1960s. That’s when the American Psychological Association (APA) officially recognized psychopharmacology as a discipline of psychology.
Between 1991 and 1997, the Department of Defense began allowing some psychologists to prescribe medication to members of the Armed Forces. The program involved a select group of 10 psychologists specifically trained in prescribing medication safely. With appropriate training, psychologists can still receive credentials to prescribe medication when working for the Defense Department, the U.S. Public Health Service and the Indian Health Service.
The next decade, lawmakers in both New Mexico and Louisiana passed legislation allowing trained psychologists the right to prescribe medication. The movement became known as RxP. Illinois (2014) and Iowa (2016) joined the ranks of RxP states, as did Idaho (2017), Colorado (2023) and Utah (2024). Many other states are also considering granting higher prescriptive authority to psychologists, so the map of RxP states will likely grow.
The Pros of Prescribing Psychologists
The main argument for allowing psychologists to prescribe medicine is that it increases access to full mental health services for those living in rural or poorly served areas where psychiatrists are few. Job numbers clearly illustrate the issue. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 207,500 psychologists worked in the U.S. as of 2023. In comparison, BLS data shows only 27,000 psychiatrists worked in the U.S. that year. In addition, a shortage of psychiatrists persists, and projections show that this shortage will likely grow as demand increases and the number of psychiatrists declines.
Idaho offers a good example of how those numbers play out nationwide. Much of the state’s population lives in rural areas where a psychiatrist is hard to find. In fact, Idaho ranks lowest in the country for psychiatrists per capita. This drastic shortage creates a lack of access, spurring waiting periods of six months to a year for appointments. Allowing psychologists to prescribe certain medications helps alleviate some of the demand.
Another positive aspect of prescriptive authority for psychologists is that patients do not have to visit multiple providers. For example, without prescriptive authority, a patient might need to see a psychologist for a therapy session and a physician or psychiatrist for medication. With prescriptive authority, a patient could see a single psychologist for all their mental health needs, including medication.
The Cons of Prescribing Psychologists
Despite these advantages, many remain concerned about psychologists not having the proper training to dispense medicine. Some argue that it’s an issue of patient safety and that prescribing medication is a privilege professionals earn with stringent medical education. This education includes coursework in biology, chemistry, biochemistry and physiology, as well as clinical experience that leads to a better understanding of how the body interacts with medication.
To address prescriptive authority arguments based on inadequate training, the APA released guidelines for prescribing psychologists, and states issue their own educational requirements. In RxP states, prescribing psychologists generally must have a doctorate and intensive additional studies (or degrees) in clinical psychopharmacology. Still, psychiatrists argue that rigorous medical training is essential. Leaders in psychiatry maintain that the answer is to get more people to do the serious training needed to become a psychiatrist.
While both sides of the argument are valid, the advantages of prescribing psychologists will likely lead to more states allowing them. For those interested in the psychology field, it’s an issue to monitor. Widespread acceptance of prescriptive authority could lead to big changes within the field, including advanced career opportunities for highly-trained professionals practicing applied psychology in underserved areas. Thanks to convenient online options like Florida Tech’s Applied Psychology programs, there are fewer obstacles than ever for aspiring psychologists to get the training and education they need.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online Applied Psychology programs.
