The Rx debate: psychologists vs psychiatrists
Updated: March 18, 2013
SPRINGFIELD -- The number of people who need medication for mental health reasons is on the rise, but there are not enough psychiatrists to see them all.
That is why one lawmaker wants to let psychologists write prescriptions to help fill in the gap.
Right now, a patient can wait up to four months for an appointment with a psychiatrist. The problem is particularly bad in rural areas.
Half of the counties in Illinois do not even have a psychiatrist. More prescribing doctors would mean patients can get the care they need faster.
Critics argue letting psychologists prescribe medications is not safe though. Psychologists have extensive training, but are not medical doctors like psychiatrists are.
Many psychiatrists argue psychologists simply can not prescribe safely since they do not have a background with different kinds of patients. WCIA-3's Ashley Michels has more.
Right now, a patient can wait up to four months for an appointment with a psychiatrist. The problem is particularly bad in rural areas.
Half of the counties in Illinois do not even have a psychiatrist. More prescribing doctors would mean patients can get the care they need faster.
Critics argue letting psychologists prescribe medications is not safe though. Psychologists have extensive training, but are not medical doctors like psychiatrists are.
Many psychiatrists argue psychologists simply can not prescribe safely since they do not have a background with different kinds of patients. WCIA-3's Ashley Michels has more.
