Comments on: 20 Questions: Eva Markham, Ed.D. [Child and Adolescent Psychology]

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:06:59 +0000

Psychologists typically spend 4-6 years in their graduate program, and have both pre and post-doctoral years to be eligible for licensed, independent practice. Depending on the particular field of psychology, a student has a mix of classroom, clinical and research experiences. In some programs there is more or less research emphasis. With the pre-doctoral internship process being highly competetive, students often spend a great deal of time doing practica above and beyond what is required for their program. So to answer the question, it can take 6 years, or more, to be licensed for independent practice as a health service provider.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 19:07:07 +0000

What is the typical timeline of training for a psychologist? How many years does it typically take for one to be licensed and what are you doing during these training years? Thanks

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 20:52:38 +0000

I think the fear is that people who are actually MORE qualified than medical doctors to treat psychological pathology might be allowed to prescribe medications as well which would make psychiatrists potentially obsolete. After all, why can’t a clinical psychologist with medical training just collaborate as needed with primary care providers just like psychiatrists do?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 01:24:39 +0000

As already mentioned, it’s already working.

By: a doctor

a doctor — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 19:41:39 +0000

it will never work

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 18:23:38 +0000

On the subject of prescribing psychologists, the current standard is coursework which is essentially a master’s degree(2 yr.)program which is taken by psychologists licensed to practice psychology independently for not less than 5 years. It also requires a fairly significant amount of supervised patient contact. Testing for mastery of academic content is also part of the process. The model is based on the Dept. of Defense process for training prescribing psychologists. I believe this is the standard endorsed by APA, and law in NM, LA and a couple other jurisdictions which have statutes allowing prescribing by credentialed psychologists. There is not and has never been any move to “grandfather” people. There are several other non-physician disciplines which have prescritpive authority in many jurisdictions. Data does not suggest any higher rate of medication related problems for these disciplines although that has consistently been the argument used to advocate against extending the right to prescribe. I say, the time has come for appropriately trained licensed psychologists to manage their clients medications!

By: sarah

sarah — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 18:16:47 +0000

I think it will be implemented as part of a collaborative practice agreement with psychiatrists, which should address some of the concerns raised about screening for medical conditions, drug interactions and adverse reactions. Psychologists already prescribe in the military, the VA and the IHS.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 18:15:26 +0000

I would recommend practice in an area such as Louisville. It is large enough to offer diverse work settings for a psychologist, and fairly sophisticated arts, recreation, etc. Yet the city is small enough to not make commuting too difficult. There is a great need for competent clincians in more rural areas as well.

By: zipmedic

zipmedic — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:57:35 +0000

I remember quite a lot. I also suspect that this is going to happen within the next 10 years. Whether it manifests as “CE” or a 1+ year track as part of a clinical PhD, I can’t say.

By: a doctor

a doctor — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:51:41 +0000

you need to remember psychotropic medications have some of the worst side effects in all of medicine. “some CE courses” will not cut it. thus the inherent risks would not benefit patients “financially or emotionally”, and could be potentially deadly. However, I believe the risks can be ascertained through a complete medical knowledge of the human body as learned through medical school and further residency training.(7 years!)not 2-3 yrs of nonmedical courses.