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Can a psychologist who has a Ph.D prescribe medicine in California?

Issue
My insurance company says they can, but I never heard this before. I found some info that they were going to allow this to happen in California, but I can't find whether it ever did or not.

Best Tip

Two states (Louisiana and New Mexico) that have a shortage of psychiatrists are allowing psychologists to have prescribing privileges with the proper training and supervision. There are also some psychologists who work with the military and the Department of Defense that can prescribe. Many other states have tried to pass similar legislation since 1984 and have failed. The argument is that psychologists do not have the appropriate training in which to prescribe medication. However, general practitioners and nurse practitioners who often do not have specialized training in psychopharmacology can diagnose and prescribe. A psychologist with lengthy training in psychopharmacology, psychopathology, and biological psychology cannot.
There was a push to bring prescription privileges to California, but it was rejected. In fact, there was a law suit filed this year against the state of California. The suit was filed by various incarcerated individuals with mental illness who were unable to find suitable treatment after they were released and were subsequently arrested and jailed again. The suit states that the number of psychiatrists in the state of California is declining and there are many underutilized psychologists who have more training than a general practitioner who could be helping these individuals.
Your insurance company is incorrect. There was legislation, but it never passed. Source(s): http://www.division55.org/pages/califcas...

Others
No only a psychiatrist can.
I was under the impression that only a medical doctor can prescribe meds, such as a psychiatrist, not psychologist.
No they cannot. In order to prescribe medication, they have to have an M.D.
Although a "PhD" (Doctor of Philosophy) makes you a doctor, you need an "MD" (Medical Doctor) to prescribe medication. Only psychiatrists are MDs. However, a psychologist can usually work with your General Practitioner to prescribe medications...
Well actually, I head something about them trying to make it to where some PhD's can write prescriptions. This will require two more years of schooling. To my knowledge, I thought New Mexico was the only state that was allowing that. I'm guessing if your insurance told you that, then it must be possible now in California.