Mo. psychologists seek ability to prescribe drugs

JEFFERSON CITY — A mental health coalition wants psychologists to be able to prescribe drugs.

Psychiatrists are considered medical doctors and can write prescriptions, but psychologists currently cannot.

The Missouri Psychological Association says psychologists are better suited than primary care physicians to mix therapy and treatments.

The group is backing legislation allowing psychologists to write prescriptions if they get two extra years of schooling, pass a national test and work with a physician.

Supporters say that about a half-dozen psychologists could start within a year and another 1,800 would be eligible in three to four years.

The Missouri State Medical Association adopted a resolution last year opposed to allowing psychologists to prescribe drugs.