Can Psychologists Prescribe Medication?
Many people assume all “mental health doctors” can prescribe medication. The titles sound similar, appointments can look similar, and both psychologists and psychiatrists treat mental health conditions, so the confusion is understandable.
Here’s the clear answer: in most places, psychologists cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists are trained in psychological assessment and therapy, not medicine. However, a small number of U.S. states allow specially trained psychologists to prescribe certain medications, and rules vary by location, credential, and setting.
This guide explains why prescribing is usually outside a psychologist’s scope, where prescribing psychologists exist, what extra training is typically required, and how psychologists commonly collaborate with psychiatrists to provide complete care.
Key takeaways in 2026
- Most psychologists do not prescribe medication. They specialize in therapy, diagnosis, and psychological testing.
- A small number of U.S. jurisdictions allow specially trained prescribing psychologists, sometimes with supervision or collaboration requirements.
- Prescribing authority is not automatic. It generally requires advanced education in clinical psychopharmacology plus supervised clinical experience.
- Patients often benefit from collaborative care: therapy with a psychologist and medication management with a psychiatrist or other medical prescriber.
- If you need medication, you can still start with therapy. A psychologist can help coordinate referrals and support the full treatment plan.
1) Why psychologists usually can’t prescribe medication
Psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and are trained to:
- diagnose mental health conditions using clinical interviews and standardized tools
- provide evidence-based therapy (CBT, ACT, DBT-informed skills, trauma-focused approaches, etc.)
- perform psychological testing and assessments
- develop treatment plans and track progress over time
Medication prescribing is traditionally tied to medical training, because it requires broader education in:
- general medicine and physiology
- differential diagnosis (medical conditions that mimic psychiatric symptoms)
- medication interactions and contraindications
- lab monitoring and complex risk management
That’s why prescribing is most commonly handled by psychiatrists (MD/DO) and sometimes by primary care clinicians or other licensed medical prescribers depending on local rules.
Plain-English summary
A psychologist is trained to understand behavior, emotions, and mental health treatment through therapy and assessment. A psychiatrist is trained in medicine and can prescribe medication as part of mental health treatment.
2) Where can psychologists prescribe?
In the U.S.
A limited number of states grant prescribing authority to appropriately trained psychologists. The specific rules vary, but commonly cited states that allow some form of prescriptive authority for psychologists include:
- New Mexico
- Louisiana
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Colorado
- Utah
Some states use distinct titles (for example, Louisiana often uses “medical psychologist”) and may require collaboration with a physician or additional safeguards.
Important: Laws and board rules change. If this question matters for your care or practice, verify the current rules through your state licensing board.
Outside the U.S.
In most countries, prescribing is restricted to physicians (and sometimes other medical prescribers). Psychologists primarily focus on therapy and assessment, and patients who need medication typically work with a psychiatrist or primary care provider.
U.S. prescriptive authority overview (high-level)
| Location | Can psychologists prescribe? | Typical requirement pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Most U.S. states | No | Therapy, diagnosis, and assessment only |
| Select U.S. states | Yes, for qualified psychologists | Advanced psychopharmacology education + supervised practice + credentialing |
| Many countries | Usually no | Prescribing limited to physicians and medical prescribers |
Related Article: How to Market a Mental Health Clinic in 2026
3) What training would a prescribing psychologist need?
In jurisdictions that allow prescribing psychologists, this is generally treated as an advanced, additional competency, not part of standard psychology licensure.
While the exact pathway varies, prescribing psychologists typically need:
- an advanced graduate-level education in clinical psychopharmacology
- supervised clinical training focused on medication evaluation and management
- demonstrated competency through standardized assessment or examinations
- continuing education and ongoing compliance with state board rules
Typical training components (summary)
| Training component | What it usually covers | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Psychopharmacology coursework | Medication classes, mechanisms, side effects | Core prescribing knowledge |
| Medical foundations | Physiology, basic clinical medicine, differential diagnosis | Helps identify medical red flags |
| Supervised clinical practice | Real-world medication management under oversight | Patient safety and skill development |
| Credentialing and regulation | State-specific formulary limits and practice standards | Defines what is permitted |
The practical takeaway: prescribing psychologists are not the norm, and when they exist, they generally follow a structured, regulated training track.
4) Psychologist vs. psychiatrist: prescribing rights and roles
This is where most confusion clears up fast.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Psychologist (PhD/PsyD) | Psychiatrist (MD/DO) |
|---|---|---|
| Core training | Psychology, therapy, assessment | Medicine + psychiatry specialization |
| Main focus | Therapy, diagnosis, testing | Medication management, medical psychiatric evaluation (sometimes therapy) |
| Can prescribe medication? | Usually no (exceptions in select states) | Yes |
| Best for | Ongoing therapy, assessments, behavior change | Complex medication needs, medical/psychiatric overlap |
Collaborative care example (common and effective)
- The psychologist provides therapy (skills, insight, coping strategies, trauma work, behavior change).
- The psychiatrist manages medication (dosage, side effects, changes, monitoring).
- The patient benefits from a coordinated plan where therapy and medication support each other.
In real life, this often looks like:
- therapy weekly or biweekly
- medication check-ins monthly or every few months (depending on stability)
Read More: How Many Years of School to Become a Psychologist?
5) What to do when a psychologist cannot prescribe
If you’re working with a psychologist and medication might help, you have several straightforward options.
Common paths forward
| Situation | Best next step | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| You want therapy and medication | Ask for a referral to a psychiatrist | Psychologist continues therapy; psychiatrist manages meds |
| You have a primary care doctor | Discuss medication options with primary care | Therapy continues; PCP may prescribe or refer |
| You need faster access | Use a referral network or integrated clinic | Coordinated therapy + medication workflow |
| You’re unsure what you need | Start with an assessment | Psychologist clarifies needs and next steps |
A good psychologist will help you navigate referrals and keep the treatment plan consistent rather than fragmented.
6) Why this matters for patients
Understanding who can prescribe helps you make better decisions quickly.
It sets realistic expectations
If you book with a psychologist expecting medication on the first visit, you may feel disappointed or delayed. Knowing the roles helps you schedule appropriately.
It reduces delays in care
When you start with the right provider (or the right team), you avoid “bounce-around care” where each appointment ends with “you need someone else.”
It supports better outcomes
For many conditions, therapy and medication can be complementary. Medication can reduce symptom intensity, and therapy can build skills, insight, and long-term resilience.
“Medication + therapy” is often a team sport
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- Medication can help reduce symptoms (sleep, mood, anxiety intensity, intrusive thoughts).
- Therapy helps build long-term tools (coping strategies, behavior change, emotional regulation, relationship patterns).
Benefits of collaborative care
| Approach | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Medication only | Can reduce symptoms quickly | Doesn’t teach coping or address patterns |
| Therapy only | Builds skills and long-term change | Can feel slow if symptoms are severe |
| Combined care | Often the most comprehensive support | Requires coordination between providers |
Louisiana note (if your audience is local)
Louisiana is well known for recognizing medical psychologists in certain contexts. If you’re in Louisiana and asking this question, the key is to confirm:
- the provider’s exact license and credential title
- whether they have prescribing authority under Louisiana rules
- what collaboration requirements apply (if any)
If you’re a patient, it’s completely appropriate to ask directly:
“Do you prescribe medication, and if so, what type and under what guidelines?”
Read More: How Many Years of School to Become a Psychologist?
Conclusion
Most psychologists cannot prescribe medication. Their core role is therapy, diagnosis, and assessment.
However, a small number of U.S. states allow specially trained psychologists to prescribe certain medications, often under specific training and regulatory requirements.
For many patients, the ideal setup is collaborative: a psychologist provides therapy and assessment, while a psychiatrist (or other medical prescriber) manages medication when needed.
Internal links for your content cluster
- Related: Can a Psychologist Diagnose? (link)
- Related: Are Psychologists Doctors? (link)
FAQ
Can a psychologist prescribe antidepressants?
In most places, no. In select U.S. states, psychologists with advanced prescribing credentials may be able to prescribe certain psychiatric medications under state rules.
Which states let psychologists prescribe medication?
A commonly cited group includes New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa, Idaho, Colorado, and Utah. Always verify current rules with the relevant state board.
Do psychologists need a medical degree to prescribe drugs?
Psychologists are not medical doctors. In jurisdictions that allow prescribing psychologists, they generally complete additional education in clinical psychopharmacology and supervised clinical training rather than earning an MD or DO.
If I want medication, should I skip therapy?
Not necessarily. Many people start with therapy and add medication if needed. A psychologist can also help coordinate a referral for a medication evaluation.