I read the sticky that said that psychologists and neurologists can diagnose/treat it, but I was under the impression that only psychiatrists can, not psychologists. And if psychologists and family doctors can prescribe it, does that include physicians?

I read the sticky that said that psychologists and neurologists can diagnose/treat it, but I was under the impression that only psychiatrists can, not psychologists. And if psychologists and family doctors can prescribe it, does that include physicians?
Psychologists can certainly diagnose. They cannot, however, prescribe meds. Most psychologists work with a psychiatrist or other MD to provide this service. Yes, general practitioners, pediatricians, any MD can prescribe. Even some nurses (depends on the license) can prescribe, although they may be limited to non-narcotics.

Keep in mind, though, that can prescribe and will prescribe are different things. Many GPs are not willing when the med of choice is a controlled substance.

That's all I needed to know, but the sticky was a bit confusing. Many thanks!

One key thing to remember is that by definition, Psychiatrists are MD's. Psychologists are not.(not that its a bad thing, just they have not gone to medical school, while Psychiatrists have).

Some psychologists in different state can prescribe meds. I know that is the case here in MA. I don't know the details of what extra training they receive or what meds they are allowed to prescribe either. I was under the impression too that they could not. I recently got into an arguement over this issue and was suprised to find out that I was actually wrong...lol

By the way I recently came across this blog entry which may be of interest to some of you:
http://www.psychlinks.ca/blog/2005/08/should-psychologists-be-prescribing.html

I know of a psychologist in Florida who used to be a psychiatric R.N., and she can prescribe.


On another note, just because a general practicioner (medical doctor) can prescribe stimulants for ADHD, it does not mean that she can do it properly; one has to have experience with ADHD.

By the way I recently came across this blog entry which may be of interest to some of you:
http://www.psychlinks.ca/blog/2005/08/should-psychologists-be-prescribing.html
Interesting. There's been a lot of campaigning for this, but I didn't realize this had already passed in a few states.

I personally, want no part of it.