In this clinical psychology episode of the podcast, we’re going to be looking at my reflection of Should Psychologists be Able to Prescribe Medications?
This episode of podcast has been sponsored by Abnormal Psychology: The Causes and Treatments of Depression, Anxiety and More Third Edition.
My Clinical Psychology Reflection on Should Psychologists be Able to Prescribe Medications?
Saturday 10th October 2020:
Today on my podcast The Psychology World Podcast, I did an episode on the for and against arguments for should psychologists be able to prescribe medication as treatment.
So, the episode introduced the background information and the for and against arguments.
Personally, I found the background information rather interesting because in 5 states of the USA psychologists can prescribe medication, and I discussed the training required as well.
Therefore, I think it’s interesting to think about psychology in these states has developed.
However, this raises a number of valid questions about prescribing privileges.
Why hasn’t this spread to other states or countries?
Could it mean it doesn’t work?
What other factors could lead to these states to adopt prescribing privileges? Such as: a shortage of psychiatrists or prescribing doctors?
Additionally, I really liked exploring the topic because the BPS have raised this debate in The Psychologist in 2020. And if psychologists don’t engage with the topic then others will make the decisions about prescribing rights for psychologists without their input.
Afterwards, I explained the pros and cons of prescribing rights. In my opinion, I can understand why prescribing privileges could be a good idea. As it might increase access to mental health treatment and it could free up doctors, as I said on the podcast.
However, in addition to the other disadvantages, I mentioned in the episode. My central concern still remains. As a profession, we need to move towards Formulation being engrained at every level of a service, and we must focus on the biopsychosocial model. I have discussed this in my Formulation In Psychotherapy book and Lucy Johnstone says the same.
So, my concern is if we allow psychologists to get prescribing rights, then could this push psychology backwards to the biomedical model?
And we place less of an emphasis on psychological and social factors as we can simply give medication to solve the condition?
Again, it might only be a school of thought within psychology, but surely that’s still a lot of psychologists?
Regardless of what happens psychologists need to act in the interest of their clients and not in the interest of ourselves or the service. We are there to improve lives and allocate psychological distress.
I really hope you enjoyed this clinical psychology reflection and I would love to show your own reflection in the comments!
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Have a great day!