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Prescribing in psychologyTraining and legislationThe debate over prescribingLooking aheadInteractive planning toolThe essentials
Some specially trained psychologists can prescribe in authorized jurisdictions and settings. A psychology license alone does not confer prescribing authority.
Use the dated sources below for current career facts, and confirm program or licensing requirements with the responsible institution.
Source check: November 5, 2026
What was checked: Prescribing-law history and current-pathway qualifications.
This is an editorial source check, not a clinical peer review. Program and licensing decisions should use the current official requirements. How this site handles sources and updates.
Research prescribing requirements.Open the interactive tool when you need it.
Use this guide
Research prescribing requirements.
Record questions for the relevant licensing authority. Prescribing authority depends on jurisdiction-specific rules; this checklist does not determine whether you may prescribe.
Skim the key points. Open a section for the full explanation.
Prescribing in psychology
- A limited scope: Prescribing authority depends on the jurisdiction and the practitioner’s qualifications.
- Start locally: Ask the relevant board which pathway and restrictions apply.
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While most psychologists are not able to write prescriptions for medication, those practicing in a few states do have this option. The ability of psychologists to write prescriptions is an intensely debated subject even within the psychology career community.
Training and legislation
- Additional preparation: Clinical psychopharmacology education, supervised training, and examination are part of the pathway.
- Laws differ: Verify your jurisdiction’s specific requirements.
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Some jurisdictions authorize appropriately trained psychologists to prescribe within a defined scope. Training, examination, supervision and collaboration requirements differ. Start with the current rules of the jurisdiction where you plan to work.
New Mexico enacted prescribing legislation in 2002 and Louisiana followed in 2004. Additional jurisdictions have since enacted legislation. An enacted law and an operational licensing pathway are not necessarily the same; confirm the current implementation rules with the board.
The debate over prescribing
- The central issues: Training, patient safety, access to care, and collaboration.
- Two perspectives: The full article outlines arguments for and against extending prescribing authority.
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Individuals opposed to this power given to psychologists state that the completion of postgraduate training is simply insufficient to train psychologists to properly prescribe medications. Opponents say that if a psychologist wanted to prescribe medications, he or she could have attended medical school to become a psychiatrist.
Arguments in favor
Supporters of prescribing authority emphasize access to care and coordination of psychological and medication services. These are policy arguments; they do not establish that one profession always provides more comprehensive care than another.
Psychiatrists may provide psychotherapy as well as medication treatment. An individual professional’s services depend on training, scope, clinical needs and practice setting.
Looking ahead
- Check current law: Prescribing legislation has expanded since the original article was written.
- Check implementation: Your board is the source for the requirements that apply to your practice.
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Prescribing laws and implementation rules can change. Consult the jurisdiction’s licensing authority for the current pathway and authorized scope rather than relying on a prediction about future legislation.