What is a prescribing psychologist?

New Mexico stands as a trailblazer in mental health care, being the first state to authorize licensed psychologists with advanced clinical training in psychopharmacology to prescribe psychiatric medications.  Becoming an independently licensed prescribing psychologist is a rigorous journey, typically requiring an average of 12 years of doctoral and post-doctoral education following undergraduate studies. This extensive training ensures that prescribing psychologists are equipped with the expertise needed to deliver high-quality care.

All prescribing psychologists begin as licensed psychologists. These professionals are regarded as the gold standard in behavioral health, possessing expert skills in diagnosis, case conceptualization, testing, psychotherapy, and treatment planning.  Before integrating mental health medications into their practice, prescribing psychologists typically accumulate an average of 17 years of experience in psychology. This extensive background ensures that prescribing psychologists approach medication management with a thorough understanding of the complexities of mental health.

One of the primary advantages of consulting with a prescribing medical psychologist is the convenience of receiving both medication and psychotherapy services from a single provider. This integrated approach promotes continuity of care and enhances the effectiveness of treatment interventions.