Can a licensed clinical psychologist prescribe medication

  Excess Weight

  Weight Control

Clinical Psychology applies the knowledge of psychology to emotional and physical problems. �Clinical Psychologists assess mental health problems and provide treatment.

Who is a Clinical Psychologist

'Psychologist' is a generic term that refers to a person who has trained in one of the many fields of psychology.  Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Forensic psychology, and School Psychology are four of the main specialty areas and Board Certification areas in the general field of Psychology.

A Clinical Psychologist is a licensed mental health professional, usually with a Ph.D. in the area of Psychology, who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health related problems and mental disorders. Clinical training prepares a psychologist to treat adults and children either individually, as part of a family unit, and/or as part of a couple or other group. Psychologists also conduct cognitive, academic, and personality testing, and, in the case of a forensic psychologist prepare for and participate in expert witness testimony.

Clinical Psychology applies the knowledge of psychology to emotional and physical problems. �Clinical Psychologists assess mental health related problems; conduct and use research to understand mental health problems; and develop, provide and evaluate psychological care and different types of therapeutic approaches. In the U.S. they normally hold a doctoral graduate degree and often have postgraduate work experience.

A Clinical Psychologist typically undergoes many hours of postgraduate training in order to gain demonstrable competence and experience. In practice, they may work with individuals, couples, families, or groups in a variety of settings, including private offices, hospitals, private and public mental health organizations, schools, businesses, prisons, and non-profit agencies. Clinical psychologists also are active in academia, teaching, and conducting research. �

A clinical psychologist may diagnose their patients (or clients) based on criteria described in the DSM or ICD, although many clinical psychologists do not use a medical or categorical approach. A clinical psychologist in the U.S. does not usually prescribe medication, although there is a growing movement for clinical psychologists to have prescribing privileges.

A clinical psychologist evaluates patients (clients) and provides therapy and counseling as needed. There are a wide variety of therapeutic techniques and the current trend is the use of an "eclectic" approach, by which a psychologist may combine or adapt one or more techniques or theories in order to provide the best techniques for any given client or situation.

Psychology Compared with Psychiatry

A psychiatrist, is a physician who has specialized in mental health and illness. �They are trained in the medical approach to disorders and in the use of medications. Many, but not all, psychiatrists are also trained to conduct psychotherapy.

Psychology is the larger study of human behavior. �Psychology is concerned with the study of normal everyday human behavior as much as it is the study of mental health and illness. Psychologists may study how drugs or other chemical agents affect the brain, but generally are not trained to prescribe or administer drugs.

Clinical psychology is the branch of psychology that specializes in understanding and helping those experiencing mental distress, physical problems, and/or behavioral problems. Clinical psychologists have extensive postgraduate training in mental health, psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and psychosocial interventions, and are often found working in similar settings and with the same kinds of patients or clients as psychiatrists. Unlike psychiatrists, they start with a general psychological training rather than a general medical training, before continuing with advanced postgraduate courses. They do not always assume a medical model. Clinical psychologists are generally not authorized to prescribe medications in the United States.

In the United States, both psychologists and psychiatrists can be ‘Board Certified’ as specialists in their field.� After the completion of many years of advanced graduate school, an internship or residency is usually required. After completing their training and after having significant field experience, the psychologist or psychiatrist must pass a written and then oral board examination before becoming ‘Board Certified’.

The more you understand about psychological and mental health related problems the better you can cope with them. Reaching out for information and assistance can help you live a healthier and more fulfilling life. People who suffer from psychological and mental health related problems can get help from a mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker.

Would You Like Personal Assistance?

If you really want help dealing with your feelings and emotions, changing your behavior, and improving your life and the approach and office hours of typical therapists and counselors do not fit your life style or personal needs, I may have a solution.

By using very flexible office appointments, telephone consultations, email, teleconferences, and the willingness to travel and meet with you personally in your home, office, or other location,  I can be available to help you anytime and anywhere.

Feel free to contact me now for your free initial consultation. Once you become an existing client, you will be given a  pager  number where you can reach me whenever you need.