Should psychologists obtain prescribing privileges? A survey of family physicians.

The question of whether psychologists should be granted prescribing privileges has generated considerable interest and debate. Family physicians' views are important because of their growing role as gatekeepers to specialty services and the frequency with which they encounter patients with mental health treatment needs. A national sample of family physicians was sent a questionnaire that assessed their current collaborative practices with psychologists and psychiatrists and their views about granting prescribing privileges to psychologists. The response rate was 40% (N?=?397). High rates of communication and collaboration were reported. Most respondents opposed prescribing privileges for psychologists. Subgroups of physicians differed, and certain medications (antidepressants, anxiolytics) appeared more acceptable than others for psychologists to prescribe. These results could provide impetus to those psychologists seeking prescribing privileges. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)