Introduction to Prescriptive Authority for Psychologists (RxP): History, Research, and Practice

Catalog description

PSYC-7690 introduces the field of prescriptive authority for psychologists (RxP). Since the endorsement of RxP by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 1995, RxP has experienced a slow, but steady growth. RxP is now legal in five States (Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, and New Mexico); the Department of Defense (US Army, Navy, and Airforce); Public Health Service; and the Indian Health Service. There are now over 200 prescribing psychologists nationally. This course reviews the history of RxP, APA model curriculum, state laws, current research, drug classifications and target of treatment, adverse effects, medical issues posing as psychological issues, and clinical practice of the prescribing psychologist. Pathways to prescribing will also be discussed. Completion of this course, and along with a graduate course in psychopharmacology, is meant to satisfy the Level 2 (collaboration) involvement with psychopharmacology as described in APA’s Practice Guidelines Regarding Psychologist’s Involvement in Pharmacological Issues. This class does not provide sufficient coursework to prescribe in states in which RxP is legal. We will take about what it takes to become a prescriber in the class.