Sanman,
While clinical psychologists are making the push to presribe, most psychologists are ambivalent about the entire issue. Clinical psychology is built upon the tradition of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, family therapy, as well as a host of other forms of psychotherapy. In fact, clinical psychology PhD programs are adamant about keeping to their "talk therapy" and psychometric test tradition in educating aspiring clinical psychologists. Drug therapy will do no more than complement their treatment approach. Paradoxically, however, many clinical psychologists are claiming that in treating certain psychological maladies, CBT and other forms of psychotherapy are actually MORE effective than psychopharmacologic interventions. At the same time, most experts see a "combination approach" as the future of both clinical psychology and psychiatry.
In my opinion, I think that psychiatrists will continue to play a pivotal role in psychopharmacology and less so in psychotherapy similar to how they do today simply because, compared to clinical psychologists, they have a more thorough understanding of the medical reasons underlying psychiatric illness. In the course of their training, clinical psychologists do not receive any such training aside from a basic course in brain and behavior. Instead, their education centers around psychosocial aspects of mental illness. They are trained to give and interpret psychological tests, and to provide psychotherapy. In contrast, psychiatrists have an undergraduate background in the sciences, take a broad array of advanced science classes in medical school, and receive four or more years of residency training. Importantly, they learn by experience that the root of psychiatric illness is not always in the brain.
If all else fails (which I do not think will be the case), psychiatrists can always turn to neurology. As it is, psychiatrists are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
I'm curious to know what people with more experience have to say. 🙄
INE
