Prescriptive Authority For Clinical Psychologists: A Review Of The Debate

This review of current discourse and research on the granting of prescriptive authority to clinical psychologists indicates that the mental health profession is divided into two distinct perspectives regarding this issue. Both perspectives were examined along with pertinent evidence as provided in the available discourse and research. These authors concluded that while each perspective offers varying levels of applicability, the empirical evidence supports the efficacy of granting prescriptive authority to clinical psychologists. The client stands to benefit from this proposal in three ways: improved efficiency of treatment, better possibility of insurance coverage and reduced incidence of overmedication that may be associated with the medical orientation of those currently holding prescriptive authority.