can a phd in psychology write prescriptions

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Psychologists could gain the power to write prescriptions, under a new legislative proposal

Severe depression hit Amelia Federico in her junior year of high school.

The Denver resident, who now attends MSU Denver, recently told a legislative committee that simple tasks, like making breakfast, began to feel impossible.

She searched for months to find a psychologist she felt safe with — and who took her insurance. But when they recommended she start taking anti-anxiety medication, Federico received a hard shock.

“I think to myself, this will be a straightforward process: my therapist will call in the medication, my pharmacy will provide for me,” she testified. “I was terribly mistaken.”

As a psychologist, her therapist didn’t have the authority to write the prescription they were recommending, requiring Federico to seek out a new provider who could.

“This took a lot of money, time and energy, a process that feels impossible to someone who is depressed. I still remember the feeling when I saw the typical copay for psychiatrists in Colorado — $100… $100 is a month’s worth of groceries in my household.”

Unable to afford the copay, she did not get the prescription.

Federico is currently a policy fellow for Young Invincibles, an advocacy organization for issues around health care, finances, civic engagement and higher education. She was urging state lawmakers to pass a bill that would let psychologists write prescriptions, after going through extra education and training.

“It is no secret that young adults are facing a mental health crisis and we must, as a collective, take action on this fact to make sure mental health supports are accessible,” she said.

On Thursday the House passed the bill Federico testified for, HB-1071 , which would pave the way for psychologists who complete additional schooling and training to prescribe psychotropic medications to their patients. It cleared the chamber on a vote of 56-6 with widespread support from lawmakers in both political parties. It now heads to the Senate.

“I am seeing a huge need and a critical gap in providing the support for mental health for youth in particular,” said pediatric psychologist Dr. Jin Lee. She’s the chair of the state’s prescribing psychology task force .  

“And that doesn't limit it to just the prescribing part, but also combining the therapy and the medication management part has been lacking big time. And so a lot of patients that I see and have been seeing, have been having a hard time finding a prescriber who can understand the nuance of their child's needs.”

Typically a psychiatrist prescribes medication but is not involved in providing talk or other types of therapy. 

While the measure has broad legislative support, large swaths of the medical community oppose it, including the American Society of Pediatrics, Colorado Chapter of Emergency Physicians, Colorado Medical Society, Colorado Psychiatric Society, Denver Health and Kaiser Permanente. (Kaiser is a financial sponsor of Colorado Public Radio.)

Dr. Cassana “Cassie” Littler, president of the Colorado chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said doctors like her share the goal of addressing the youth mental health crisis but warned that this policy isn’t the right approach.

“I'm really concerned that it's dangerous to our most vulnerable patients and undermines the decades of hard work that we've done as a state to provide comprehensive integrated behavioral healthcare,” said Littler at the bill hearing.

She argued that pediatricians are increasingly familiar with treating their young patients’ behavioral health needs and are better equipped to oversee any psychotropic prescriptions.

“We're concerned about the safety of having non-medically trained providers prescribe powerful psychotropic medications without the medical training to appropriately care for side effects that come with prescribing, and deprescribing, medications to children,” she said. 

Republican state Rep. Scott Bottoms of Colorado Springs shares Littler’s concerns. He voted against the bill and urged lawmakers to take seriously the warnings from many on the front lines of medical treatment who don’t think it’s a good idea. Bottoms said it’s not clear that psychologists could provide the highest levels of care to ensure safe and effective treatment.

“They're still not even close to having the training they need for even basic psychotropic drugs,” he said of psychologists. “And I think any person in this room that has dealt with these as an adult, dealt with psychotropic drugs personally, you know how difficult it is even as an adult to figure out these balances, these chemical balances within our mind and within our bodies.”

The measure is part of a broader trend in Colorado of lawmakers trying to increase health care access by removing some of the hurdles within the medical profession. 

Another bill this year aims to reduce red tape to make it easier for mental health professionals to work with students in K-12 schools. Supporters say it could be especially helpful in rural areas. 

But the proposals often meet with resistance. Last session, a bipartisan group of lawmakers defeated a bill to give physician assistants more freedom and responsibility, after strong pushback from the Colorado Medical Society and concerns about the potential negative impact on patient care. 

If HB-1071 becomes law, psychologists must first have a PhD and then complete a master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology, along with at least 750 hours of practical training under a physician’s supervision in order to write prescriptions. They would also need a peer review approved by Colorado Medical Board and have to go through 40 hours of continuing education every two years. And psychologists would still be significantly more limited than psychiatrists in terms of what they could prescribe.

Patients would need to sign a form acknowledging that they understand their psychologist is not a physician. 

A handful of states have already passed this type of law, and the U.S. Department of Defense allows a similar policy.

Psychologist Dr. David Schroeder works at the Veterans Health and Trauma Clinic in Colorado Springs. He thinks the legislation will help many veterans in Colorado who often have to wait months for medication.

“The major reason for that is that those psychiatrists are overworked and overwhelmed. So we have patients that really need to be seen for their medication, for their depression and their post-traumatic stress disorder to help alleviate some of their symptomatology so that they're no longer a danger to themself,” Schroeder said. “These guys are waiting two and three months to get a first meeting with the psychiatrist.”

He said that means a follow-up appointment could be another four months away, “which in the early stages of medication, particularly for high-risk populations, is really woefully inadequate.”

Colorado has 2,817 licensed psychologists and 805 licensed psychiatrists, according to 2022 figures from the Department of Regulatory Agencies, provided by the non-profit Healthier Colorado, which supports the bill.

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Psychologists and Prescribing Privileges

Posted June 21, 2010

Psychiatry is one of several medical specialties experiencing a physician shortage. Simply put, there are not enough psychiatrists to provide high quality care to the large number of individuals in need of services, particularly individuals living in disadvantaged inner cities and rural areas. This shortage will increase in the future as the US population increases and substantial numbers of psychiatrists reach retirement age. To address this problem, several stop-gap solutions have been proposed. One of these "solutions" involves allowing psychologists to prescribe and administer medications independently. We believe this plan is extremely short-sighted and would result in major problems for individuals suffering from psychiatric disorders.

Although it may seem technically easy for physicians to write a prescription, the knowledge and skills required to prescribe medications effectively develop over nearly a decade of rigorous training in basic and medical sciences (four years of medical school and four or more years of residency and fellowship training). These skills are maintained by ongoing regular participation in continuing medical education activities.

Several postings ago, we discussed the extensive medical training required for an individual to become a board certified psychiatrist or neurologist, and contrasted this with the training of clinical psychologists. In order to understand the actions and dangers of medications, we believe it is imperative that practitioners undergo detailed coursework in basic and clinical sciences and complement this didactic training with clinical experience involving patients on medical, surgical, pediatric, ob-gyn, neurological, and psychiatric services. Prescribing psychiatric medications effectively involves the integration of information from the fields of molecular biology, genetics , pathology, biochemistry, and neural sciences together with practical knowledge regarding the effects of medications on patients who are ill with conditions that involve multiple body organs.

Some may believe that the lack of training of psychologists in pharmacology can be circumvented by restricting their prescription privileges to younger, healthier persons. Although complications arise more often in the pharmacological management of older persons with medical illnesses, problems with medications are not uncommon even in younger, physically healthy people. Every medication has side effects. Also, many patients who suffer from psychiatric disorders have co-morbid medical disorders that greatly influence responses to medications.

Prescribing medications will only get more complicated in the future - we are entering an era of pharmacologic treatments based on advances in genomic medicine. It is likely that medications will be chosen on the basis of what is best for a particular patient based on his or her genetic makeup. Keeping up with such rapid molecular and genetic advances is difficult enough for physicians with years of basic medical training and experience. We have trouble imagining how psychologists - many of whom lack a strong basic science background - will be able to stay current with such advances.

Present plans propose that psychologists be allowed to prescribe medications after a few years of coursework and supervision. Can a few years of supervised training prepare a psychologist to do a "good enough" job prescribing medications? In our opinion, the skills required to understand the effective use of psychiatric medications cannot be gained by a few years of targeted coursework and supervision. Psychologists may be rigorously trained in research methods and in certain psychological techniques and therapies, but they rarely have the rigorous medical background or the comprehensive testing and requirements for continued education that come with certification by national medical accrediting agencies.

We believe strongly that mental health professionals must work collaboratively in order to maximize effective health care delivery. Psychologists, social workers, counselors, case managers, and persons working in clubhouse settings, all have essential skills needed to help patients with mental illnesses. The unique skills of psychologists are essential in collaborative care models; for example, they can provide individual and group psychotherapies, train and supervise other therapists, administer and interpret psychological tests, integrate new cognitive approaches into treatments, and advance knowledge through research. However, we feel strongly that physicians (including psychiatrists and primary care physicians), and not psychologists, have the training necessary to assume the responsibilities of providing or overseeing the medication component of collaborative mental health care treatment.

We believe that the future of mental health care delivery involves enhanced coordination and collaboration between the primary care sector and the mental health care sector. With the assistance of telemedicine and advances in computer-based technologies, patients in underserved areas should be able to receive mental health care that takes advantage of combining physician expertise in diagnosis and prescribing medications with the expertise of psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Decisions involved in evaluating the risks and benefits of using psychiatric medications in a particular patient are difficult even for practitioners with years of basic medical training and rigorous continuing medical education. Psychologists are highly valued members of the health care team, but we believe that it is not in patients' best interests for psychologists to prescribe medications, and, in effect, practice medicine.

In 1910, medicine entered the modern era with the publication of the Flexner Report. In essence, the Flexner Report concluded that individuals who practice medicine should attend accredited medical schools. The wisdom of this report is still evident today. Patients will no doubt suffer if we fail to heed the lessons of history.

This post was co-written by Eugene Rubin MD, PhD and Charles Zorumski MD. Neither has any financial conflicts of interest involving the pharmaceutical industry.

Eugene Ru bin , M.D., Ph.D. , is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

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Getting a Ph.D. in Psychology

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

Verywell / Evan Polenghi

Ph.D. vs. Psy.D.

Job opportunities, earning a degree, specialty areas, alternatives.

Getting a Ph.D. in psychology can open up a whole new world of career opportunities. For many careers paths in psychology-related career paths, a doctoral degree is necessary to obtain work and certification. A Ph.D. is one option, but it is not the only educational path that's available to reach some of these goals.

A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is one of the highest level degrees you can earn in the field of psychology . If you're considering pursuing a graduate degree, you might be wondering how long it takes to earn a Ph.D. in psychology . Generally, a bachelor's degree takes four years of study. While a master's degree requires an additional two to three years of study beyond the bachelor's, a doctoral degree can take between four to six years of additional graduate study after earning your bachelor's degree.

Recently, a new degree option known as the Psy.D. , or doctor of psychology, has grown in popularity as an alternative to the Ph.D. The type of degree you decide to pursue depends on a variety of factors, including your own interests and your career aspirations.

Before deciding which is right for you, research your options and decide if graduate school in psychology is even the best choice for you. Depending on your career goals, you might need to earn a master's or doctoral degree in psychology in order to practice in your chosen field. In other instances, a degree in a similar subject such as counseling or social work may be more appropriate.

A doctorate in psychology is required if you want to open your own private practice.

If you want to become a licensed psychologist, you must earn either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. in clinical or counseling psychology.

In most cases, you will also need a doctorate if you want to teach and conduct research at the college or university level. While there are some opportunities available for people with a master's degree in various specialty fields, such as industrial-organizational psychology and health psychology , those with a doctorate will generally find higher pay, greater job demand, and more opportunity for growth.

In order to earn a Ph.D. in psychology, you need to first begin by earning your bachelor's degree. While earning your undergraduate degree in psychology can be helpful, students with bachelor's degrees in other subjects can also apply their knowledge to psychology Ph.D. programs . Some students in doctorate programs may have a master's degree in psychology , but most doctorate programs do not require it.

After you’ve been admitted to a graduate program, it generally takes at least four years to earn a Ph.D. and another year to complete an internship. Once these requirements have been fulfilled, you can take state and national exams to become licensed to practice psychology in the state where you wish to work.

Once you enter the graduate level of psychology, you will need to choose an area of specialization, such as clinical psychology , counseling psychology, health psychology, or cognitive psychology . The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits graduate programs in three areas: clinical, counseling, and school psychology.   If you are interested in going into one of these specialty areas, it's important to choose a school that has received accreditation through the APA.

For many students, the choice may come down to a clinical psychology program versus a counseling psychology program. There are many similarities between these two Ph.D. options, but there are important distinctions that students should consider. Clinical programs may have more of a research focus while counseling programs tend to focus more on professional practice. The path you choose will depend largely on what you plan to do after you complete your degree.

Of course, the Ph.D. in psychology is not the only graduate degree option. The Psy.D. is a doctorate degree option that you might also want to consider. While there are many similarities between these two degrees, traditional Ph.D. programs tend to be more research-oriented while Psy.D. programs are often more practice-oriented.

The Ph.D. option may be your top choice if you want to mix professional practice with teaching and research, while the Psy.D. option may be preferred if you want to open your own private psychology practice.

In the book "An Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology," authors John C. Norcross and Michael A. Sayette suggest that one of the key differences between the two-degree options is that the Ph.D. programs train producers of research while Psy.D. programs train consumers of research. However, professional opportunities for practice are very similar with both degree types.

Research suggests that there are few discernible differences in terms of professional recognition, employment opportunities, or clinical skills between students trained in the Ph.D. or Psy.D. models. One of the few differences is that those with a Ph.D. degree are far more likely to be employed in academic settings and medical schools.

Social work, counseling, education, and the health sciences are other graduate options that you may want to consider if you decide that a doctorate degree is not the best fit for your interests and career goals.

A Word From Verywell

If you are considering a Ph.D. in psychology, spend some time carefully researching your options and thinking about your future goals. A doctoral degree is a major commitment of time, resources, and effort, so it is worth it to take time to consider the right option for your goals. The Ph.D. in psychology can be a great choice if you are interested in being a scientist-practitioner in the field and want to combine doing research with professional practice. It's also great training if you're interested in working at a university where you would teach classes and conduct research on psychological topics.

University of Pennsylvania; School of Arts and Sciences. Information for applicants .

American Psychological Association. Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different?

U.S. Department of Labor.  Psychologists . Occupational Outlook Handbook .

Norcross JC, Sayette MA. An Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology (2020/2021 ed.) . New York, NY: The Guilford Press; 2020.

Davis SF, Giordano PJ, Licht CA. Your Career in Psychology: Putting Your Graduate Degree to Work . John Wiley & Sons; 2012. doi:10.1002/9781444315929

US Department of Education. Bachelor's, master's, and doctor's degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions, by sex of student and discipline division: 2016-17 .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Can Clinical Psychologists Prescribe Medication?

A person who is considering a career in clinical psychology may want to know, “Can clinical psychologists prescribe medication?” The answer to this question is that it depends on the location and industry of employment for the clinical psychologist. In the places that do allow clinical psychologists to prescribe medication, the psychologist may need to have additional training, certification or licensure with the state government.

Industries of Employment That Allow Clinical Psychologists to Prescribe Medication

There are several industries of employment that allow a clinical psychologist to prescribe medication. The Indian Health Service, which is a part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, allows this. The military also allows clinical psychologists to prescribe medications to personnel. Private practice and publicly-employed clinical psychologists are allowed to prescribe medications in a few states, and several additional states are considering legislation that would allow this activity.

States That Allow Clinical Psychologists to Prescribe Medication

As of 2019, three states allow clinical psychologists to prescribe medication. New Mexico granted this authority to clinical psychologists in 2002. Louisiana granted this privilege in 2004. Illinois is the third state to pass this legislation and did so in 2014. It is important to note that in 40 states, advanced practice psychiatric nurses and other types of nurse practitioners can prescribe medications. These two types of professionals are the only types of non-physicians who can prescribe medications.

Additional Training Required for Clinical Psychologists to Prescribe Medication

According to Very Well Mind , each state has its requirements for training and authorizing clinical psychologists to prescribe medication. In New Mexico, a clinical psychologist must complete a minimum of 450 hours of didactic training by an approved entity and at least 400 hours of supervised and documented practice in psychopharmacology to gain authorization to write prescriptions. In Louisiana, a clinical psychologist must complete a post-doctoral master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology from an accredited university. In Illinois, the clinical psychologist has to receive specialized training in psychopharmacology. After the training, they must finish a supervised clinical rotation in mental health facilities, prisons and hospitals that lasts for a minimum of 14 months.

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Pros and cons of allowing clinical psychologists to prescribe medication.

There are many benefits to allowing clinical psychologists to prescribe medications. Their services cost less compared to those of a psychiatrist. There are more psychologists than psychiatrists, which means patients have more access to care and may not have to wait as long for an appointment. Rural and poor patients may have an easier time of getting mental health care and medication to treat their conditions. There are also a few cons to allowing clinical psychologists to prescribe medications. They may not have enough medical training to recognize medical versus mental disorders. They may lack knowledge of medication risks and side effects.

Knowing whether or not a clinical psychologist can prescribe medication could affect a person’s choice of college major, post-doctoral studies or other educational and professional pursuits. An individual needs to know their rights and responsibilities when entering the field of clinical psychology. Becoming familiar with the answer to, “Can clinical psychologists prescribe medication?” is important in the selection of a doctoral degree, post-doctoral training and application for a license to practice as a clinical psychologist.

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Prescriptive Authority in Arizona

Although psychologists have more training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders than any other health care professional, the majority of all psychotropic medications are prescribed by health care providers with limited mental health training. The American Psychological Association (APA) Services Inc. supports the efforts of our state, provincial, and territorial psychological association partners to obtain prescriptive authority for qualified, licensed psychologists in to help fill the need for access to comprehensive, quality mental health care in Arizona.

History: Prescriptive Authority

• 1981 – APA Board of Professional Affairs takes public position that the right to prescribe (RxP) is within the scope of practice of psychology
• 1985 – First bill seeking RxP for psychologists is introduced in Hawaii
• 1989 – Board of Professional Affairs endorses psychopharmacology training program for psychologists
• 1991 – Licensed psychologists begin prescribing in the US military
• 1995 – APA Council of Representatives makes RxP for psychologists APA policy
• 1999 – Guam grants RxP to appropriately trained psychologists.
• 2002 – New Mexico grants RxP to appropriately trained psychologists
• 2004 – Louisiana grants RxP to appropriately trained psychologists
• 2005 – First prescription written by civilian psychologists
• 2014 – Illinois grants RxP to appropriately trained psychologists
• 2016 – Iowa grants RxP to appropriately trained psychologists
• 2017 – Idaho grants RxP to appropriately trained psychologists

         (McGrath, 2010)

Why AZ…Why Now?

According to the CDC, patients often receive psychotropic medications without being evaluated by a mental health professional and less than half of those taking psychotropic medications have seen a mental health professional in the past year  (APA)  ( CDC ). “The shortage of psychiatrists is an escalating crisis,” notes the physician search firm  Merritt Hawkins in a 2017 report . “[The gap is] of more severity than shortages faced in virtually any other specialty.” Only 55 – 60% of psychiatrists accept insurance  (Satiani et al., 2018) . Nearly 60% of individuals with depression in the US receive mental health treatment from their Primary Care Provider (PCP)  (Barkil-Oteo, 2013) . PCPs were responsible for prescribing a higher percentage of psychotropic medications to children than psychiatrists  (Anderson et al., 2015)

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death in Arizona (ages 15 – 44) ( ADHS, 2019 )
• In 2015 - 2016, “more than 20% of Arizonans ages 18 to 25 reported having a mental illness in the past year” … “However, only about half of those individuals received mental health services during that period” (ADHS, 2019, p. 58)
• In 2018, Arizona ranked 30th among all states in its overall health status ( ADHS, 2019 )

Prescribing Psychologists

• Improved access to mental health care providers for all those in need
• The right to prescribe is also the right to unprescribe
• Comparable training to current non-physicians with RxP such as: physician assistants and nurse practitioners (Linda & McGrath, 2017)

Research has shown the most effective form of treatment for mental illness is a combination of psychotherapy and medicine. For psychologists, prescriptive authority is another tool for potential approaches or interventions used to treat mental illness and promote mental wellness (Pimental et al, 1997). With appropriate education and training, psychologists are equipped to prescribe and unprescribe psychotropic medications both safely and effectively. In other states, prescribing psychologists offer access to more individuals, reducing the wait time for individuals requiring medication. The non-prescribing psychologists continue to treat their similar caseloads while consulting with prescribing psychologists, while psychiatrists are less burdened. 

• Required to have a PsyD or PhD.
• Required to have a 2 year Masters in Psychopharmacology
• Required to have supervised clinical hours under a currently licensed prescribing physician
• Required to pass licensing exam

            Resource:  https://www.apa.org/about/policy/rxp-model-curriculum.pdf

What Now...

Prescriptive authority legislation.

Legislation must be drafted, sponsored, submitted, and voted on. These legislative efforts are costly but the need is undeniable.

For further information please contact Kristen Northup at  [email protected]  or Ryan House at  [email protected] . 

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• PsyD vs PhD

PsyD Frequently Asked Questions

What should potential students know about the PsyD and how it compares and contrasts with the Ph.D., what’s required for admission to a PsyD program, and how long do most programs take? We’ll answer those questions and more below.

In This Section

• PsyD vs Ph.D. in Psychology

Steps to take to get my PsyD

• What can I do with my PsyD?

How much do you make with a PsyD?

How long does it take to get a psyd after a masters, is a psyd as good as a ph.d., is a psyd a doctor, can you get a psyd without a masters, can you teach with a psyd, do psyd programs require a master’s, what jobs can i get with a psyd, what jobs can you get with a psyd in clinical psychology, is a psyd a psychologist, can i get a psyd without a masters, can a psyd diagnose, can psyd write prescriptions, which is better psyd or ph.d., is someone with a psyd a doctor, can you get a psyd online, how many years is a psyd program, are psyd programs hard to get into, do you have to get a master’s before a psyd, can i get a psyd with a masters in counseling, can you become a psychologist with a psyd, is it worth it to get a psyd, psyd vs ph.d.

PsyD focuses on clinical training and once you finish it, you become a doctor of psychology. On the other hand, a PhD student must prepare a master thesis and a doctoral dissertation , it focuses primarily on research. ( See more PsyD vs PhD degree )  – Burcu Arslan ,  B.A. Psychology, Bogazici University (2017)

As a terminal degree in psychology, the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) is a doctoral degree that can provide a crucial stepping stone for a long and happy career in the analysis of human behavior. Though a Psy.D is a bit newer than the more traditional, academic-minded Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD), it’s quickly become a very popular degree option for psychology professionals and learners. Learn More.

What can I do with my PsyD?

As a terminal degree, meaning the highest possible academic achievement in the field, a PsyD is a doctoral degree that can provide the foundation of many successful and challenging career paths, including becoming a licensed clinical psychologist, working in academia or even helping hold criminals accountable for their actions. Learn More.

A common career path for those with a PsyD is becoming a licensed psychologist, and the median annual wage in the U.S. for psychologists is $79,010. Industrial-organizational psychologists, another possible career path after a PsyD, earn a median annual amount of $97,260, while clinical, school and counseling psychologists earn $76,990 per year.

At least 4 years. Students with master’s degrees are able to complete the typical PsyD program in as little as 4 years, though it’s common for a PsyD to take up to 6 years . The time to complete a PsyD varies based on the program and what real-world experience is required, as well as the student’s desired focus area and whether they are able to attend full time. A PsyD generally can be completed more quickly than a Ph.D.  Learn more .

In many cases, yes, especially for those who wish to immediately begin a career as a licensed clinical psychologist. The chief difference between a PsyD and a Ph.D. is the program approach, with Ph.D. programs being more focused on academics and PsyD programs putting their focus on hands-on experience. Individuals who intend to teach at the postsecondary level or conduct clinical research would find a Ph.D. to be the preferred degree in most cases, though.

Any person who has a doctoral-level degree could well refer to themselves as “Dr.” — and ask others to do the same. This goes for those who have earned a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree as well. It’s important to note, however, that this title does not mean a PsyD holder is a medical doctor, as the training and education required to earn a PsyD is not the same as medical school, and most states do not permit psychologists to do things like write prescriptions.

It’s often recommended by PsyD programs that students complete master’s level work before beginning any doctoral program, including the PsyD, or Doctor of Psychology. However, many programs across the U.S. offer joint degree programs in which students will spend the first couple of years of their PsyD program earning their master’s degree, and many other schools don’t explicitly require applicants to have a master’s degree. Learn More .

Yes, but it’s unlikely that a PsyD alone will be a strong enough qualification to earn a full-time, tenure-track teaching position at a college or university. The Doctor of Psychology degree was designed specifically for individuals whose career goal is the practice of clinical psychology, and it was meant as an alternative to the heavy academic focus of traditional Ph.D. programs.

In some cases, yes, but many schools offer joint degree programs in which students spend the first portion of their time completing masters-level work so that they essentially finish two degrees in one. And not all PsyD schools require a master’s degree , though it’s generally considered a boost for applications.

Most individuals with a PsyD degree will work in clinical psychology, which could include working in schools, healthcare settings or in private practice. Another popular job for PsyD holders is as an industrial-organizational psychologist, which is usually a less hands-on role but may be more lucrative than others. Other potential job titles include counselor, therapist, teacher, and many others.

A PsyD in clinical psychology is a doctoral program that focuses on the hands-on practice and theory of psychology and human behavior. As such, most careers in Psychology for people with that degree will involve working directly with clients or patients in helping them understand why they do the things they do and potentially assisting them in altering their behavior. Specific job titles include clinical psychologist, therapist, counselor, and many others.

In most states, a person cannot legally call themselves a psychologist without first becoming licensed in the state. This means that in addition to completing the PsyD, the person must have at least 1 year of supervised professional experience in addition to passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Before they’ve done that, a person with a PsyD is simply someone who has finished a rigorous academic track.

Yes, but students who pursue a PsyD track before completing their master’s degree may limit the number of schools they can apply to; that’s because some schools do require a master’s, and most of them consider master’s degrees beneficial in the application process. Also, many schools today offer joint MS/PsyD degrees, so it may be possible to complete graduate work while you do your doctorate.

One of the most important functions served by psychologists who have earned a PsyD before beginning their practice and becoming licensed is to study human behavior and diagnose disorders and other issues, so being able to identify and isolate emotional and mental disorders is crucial for most PsyD’s. But while they can and should diagnose mental and behavioral problems, most PsyDs cannot prescribe medications.

In most states, no, though five states — Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, New Mexico, and Louisiana — do permit some licensed clinical psychologists to prescribe medication. All of those states require applicants not only to have a PsyD but to complete a post-doctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology in order to achieve prescriptive authority. In all other states, PsyDs are not permitted to write prescriptions, though efforts have been made in other states to expand prescriptive authority to psychologists.

The answer to this question depends on the career goals of the person asking. If a prospective psychology student is certain that their career path will mostly involve working directly with clients or patients, diagnosing their emotional and behavioral problems and devising plans to improve their lives, then a PsyD degree is probably better. If the person has any desire to conduct clinical research or teach at the postsecondary level, then a Ph.D. may be the better option. Learn More .

Yes, as a doctorate-holder, a person who has earned a PsyD could definitely refer to themselves as “Dr.,” though it’s good to note that PsyDs are not medical doctors and in most states cannot prescribe medication or conduct medical treatments. But like their PhD-holding counterparts, PsyD-earners have completed doctoral education and therefore are technically doctors.

Yes, increasingly schools are offering fully online or hybrid Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) programs that still meet the intended purpose of a PsyD program, which is to provide students with hands-on experience in the practice of psychology. Each school handles things a bit differently, but because a PsyD is designed specifically to focus more on clinical work than academics, the idea of an online PsyD is actually quite logical, since the degree is one in which classroom work, while important, is not necessarily the only focus. See 5+ Best Online Psyd Programs .

A PsyD program typically takes at least four years to finish but can take as long as six years. It depends on whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time. Also, if you come into the PsyD program with most prerequisites completed, the program can take closer to four years. Students who have to pay for their program out of pocket may need to take breaks to save money, so they could take longer to complete their PsyD.

Getting into a PsyD program is typically easier to get into than a Ph.D. program. Ph.D. programs in psychology tend to be highly selective, taking 10 or fewer students per year. Ph.D. programs across the country have a 13% acceptance rate. On the other hand, PsyD programs usually accommodate more students, as many as 100 per class per year. With more spots available, the average acceptance rate is approximately 40%.

Most students entering a PsyD program have a master’s degree in psychology or a related field. However, there are some PsyD programs that allow students to enter with a bachelor’s degree. Your education will include working on your master’s in psychology and then your Psy.D. This is known as a joint or dual degree program and can reduce the time you spend in school to earn the two degrees.

The type of master’s degree that is required to be accepted into a PsyD program will depend on the individual university program. However, many PsyD programs will accept students into their programs with a master’s degree in counseling or clinical psychology. Check with the specific program you are interested in to determine which master’s degrees they will accept for entry into the program.

Yes, in fact, this is the best educational step you can take in your journey to becoming a psychologist. In every state, professional licensure is required to practice as a psychologist, and completing a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) fulfills the educational requirements set forth by the states. But it’s important to note that most states prefer applicants to complete their doctoral training in programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), while a couple of them will only grant licenses to those who have APA-accredited degrees. States also will grant licensure to those who have completed Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degrees in psychology, but state requirements for supervised professional experience mean that Psy.D. degrees are typically a better investment for those who want to practice psychology professionally, as most Psy.D. programs are designed to provide exactly that type of hands-on experience.

You have two doctoral options in psychology; the PsyD or Ph.D. The PsyD is a newer degree program that started in the 1970s that prioritizes clinical therapy. The Ph.D. is a  more traditional doctoral degree that focuses more on teaching skills and research at the university level. Learn more .

• Feb 1, 2023

Can Psychologists Prescribe Medication in Canada?

Updated: Dec 11, 2023

When people come in to therapy for the first time, they often have a lot of questions about what psychologists do (and what they cannot do). Usually, these questions are about medication, getting diagnosed with disorders or other conditions, and other specific details and abilities that will vary from one clinic to the next.

At Flourish Psychological Services, our team has different specialties that allow us to meet the needs of many different patients and therapy styles. However, there are a few important distinctions that set us apart from psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and medical doctors.

Do psychologists believe in medication?

Yes, we do! Psychologists believe in medication, but our approach and tool kit are focused primarily on therapeutic solutions first. Many treatments for psychological conditions have been proven effective through behavioural and cognitive therapy, so that is our starting point and we keep an open mind to wherever the situation may go. We work towards the best solution for each client, which may end up being a medication route to supplement and assist progress made through ongoing therapy.

Can psychologists diagnose?

Some psychologists can diagnose disorders and conditions, but this requires the proper training and certification within an area of expertise. Just like there are different types of doctors, lawyers, or professors, there are different types of psychologists whose knowledge may only have a little bit of overlap. For instance, an educational psychologist would not be able to diagnose mental health disorders, because they are entirely different approaches and fields of study. Similarly, psychologists trained in mental health cannot administer testing or diagnose educational or cognitive disorders.

Can psychologists prescribe me medication?

No, psychologists cannot prescribe medication in Canada . Only doctors or nurse practitioners – that is, people with an education in medicine – can prescribe medication. Psychologists exclusively study the brain, how it functions, and how its operations manifest in the body. Note that this does not mean a psychologist’s education is inadequate. Though they do not start with medical school, a therapist with a doctorate in psychology has at least 10, and usually up to 13, years of post-secondary education in the field of mental health.

Which types of psychologists can prescribe medication?

There are no types of psychologists that can prescribe medication. A therapist with the education and credentials required to make prescriptions is a psychiatrist – someone that has gone to medical school, and then done an additional seven years of mental health and psychological education. This is an important distinction that affects the type of service you can expect from a therapist.

As psychologists, we try non-medication routes to treat disorders first, and we find that many conditions respond well to behavioural therapies. These can cause less stress on the body, and are more sustainable overall since they are not dependent on daily medication. However, they are not always feasible or effective, such as for many forms of depression or schizophrenia. Any good psychologist will be able to identify the best route forward for your specific circumstances.

Do you have more questions about psychology in Calgary, or even Canada? Wondering what to expect from your first therapy session ? If you haven’t found the answers yet, we’re happy to help with anything you need to know. All you have to do is reach out when you’re ready to talk!

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In Canada, psychologists cannot prescribe medication. Only medical doctors, nurse practitioners, and some other healthcare professionals are authorized to prescribe medications. Frustrated by this limitation, I sought the help of a nurse writing service to explore the complexities of this issue. Together, we uncovered the need for collaboration between psychologists and prescribers to ensure comprehensive mental health care for all Canadians, a mission we were both passionate about.

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