How to Become a Prescribing Psychologist: Education, States & Salary (2025 Guide)
To become a prescribing psychologist, you'll need a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology, plus a Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP). Only five U.S. states currently grant prescriptive authority to psychologists: Louisiana, New Mexico, Illinois, Iowa, and Idaho. The complete process takes 12-13 years and includes supervised clinical practice.
Anyone who's ever taken a psychology class is probably familiar with Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs. But many may not be aware of another psychological principle he discussed: a cognitive bias typically referred to as Maslow's hammer. Even if the law of the instrument, as Maslow himself called it, isn't so well-known, the simple statement he used to summarize it is:
"I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail."
This idea has been rephrased and reinterpreted dozens of times, but the central idea always remains the same. Approaching a problem with a narrow frame of mind often leads to missing the true nature of the issue. At best, this can result in slow progress. At worst, it causes frustration and failure in finding solutions.
In psychological practice, a hammer mindset creates a barrier between practitioners and patients that can stifle meaningful progress. Psychopharmacology offers a unique way for psychologists to keep their thinking broad and their methods diverse. As an area that combines psychotherapy with pharmacotherapeutics, it's intrinsically interdisciplinary, providing psychologists with additional tools to help patients achieve lasting wellness.
This guide explains how to become a prescribing psychologist, including educational requirements, state-specific licensing, salary expectations, and the career advantages of prescriptive authority.
Table of Contents
What Is a Prescribing Psychologist?
A prescribing psychologist is a doctoral-level psychologist who has completed additional specialized training in clinical psychopharmacology, allowing them to prescribe medications for mental health conditions. These practitioners combine traditional psychological assessment and therapy with the ability to prescribe and manage psychiatric medications.
Prescribing psychologists differ from psychiatrists in their training path and approach. While psychiatrists attend medical school and complete psychiatric residencies, prescribing psychologists earn psychology doctorates and then pursue specialized pharmacology training. They also differ from traditional psychologists who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions but cannot prescribe medication.
According to Dr. Craige Wrenn, professor of pharmacology at Drake University, psychopharmacology provides a unique perspective on mental health treatment. "I've always been fascinated with the kind of big idea that the chemistry and physiology of the brain can result in healthy behavior or, when things go wrong, mental illness. In the field of psychopharmacology, we're concerned with the development of medications that can treat and alleviate mental illness."
The interdisciplinary nature of psychopharmacology opens the door to new perspectives on mental illness and more treatment options to help patients achieve lasting wellness. Prescribing psychologists can address both the psychological and biological aspects of mental health conditions, providing comprehensive care that integrates therapy with medication management.
States That Allow Prescriptive Authority
Currently, only five U.S. states grant prescriptive authority to properly trained psychologists. Each state has specific requirements, supervision periods, and collaborative practice guidelines that prescribing psychologists must follow.
| State | Year Granted | Key Requirements | Supervision Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | 2002 | Master's in clinical psychopharmacology, 400+ training hours | Initial collaborative agreement |
| Louisiana | 2004 | MSCP degree, 450 hours supervised practice | 2 years with physician oversight |
| Illinois | 2014 | Certificate program, 400+ training hours, national exam | 2 years collaborative practice |
| Iowa | 2016 | Master's degree, clinical training, national certification | Collaborative agreement required |
| Idaho | 2017 | Master's program, supervised practice hours | 1-2 years with physician collaboration |
Several other states have considered or are currently exploring legislation to grant prescriptive authority to psychologists. This expansion reflects growing recognition of the mental health workforce shortage and the potential for prescribing psychologists to improve access to care, particularly in underserved rural and urban areas.
The requirements vary by state, but all emphasize rigorous training in pharmacology, physiology, and supervised clinical practice. Psychologists interested in prescriptive authority should research their specific state's requirements or consider practicing in one of the five states that currently allow it.
Educational Requirements
Becoming a prescribing psychologist requires extensive education spanning 12-13 years of post-secondary training. The pathway combines traditional psychology education with specialized pharmacology coursework.
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (4 Years)
The journey begins with a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. This foundational education covers basic psychological theories, research methods, statistics, and core areas like developmental, social, and abnormal psychology. Students typically need to maintain a strong GPA (3.5 or higher) to be competitive for doctoral programs.
Doctoral Degree in Psychology (5-7 Years)
A doctoral degree is required to practice as a psychologist. Students can choose between a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology). PhD programs emphasize research and typically take 5-7 years, while PsyD programs focus more on clinical practice and often take 4-6 years. Both paths include:
- Advanced coursework in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment
- Research requirements (dissertation for PhD, clinical project for PsyD)
- Supervised clinical practicum experiences
- Predoctoral internship (1,500-2,000 hours)
Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (1-2 Years)
After earning a doctorate, psychologists interested in prescriptive authority must complete a specialized master's program in clinical psychopharmacology. These programs provide the medical and pharmacological knowledge needed to prescribe safely and effectively.
There's no better place to experience the kind of interdisciplinary discovery needed for prescriptive authority than through the Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) at Drake University. This program is tailored to psychologists interested in deepening their understanding of how pharmacology works in concert with psychotherapy.
CareersInPsychology.org had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Craige Wrenn, Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences Department Chair and Professor of Pharmacology at Drake University. A dedicated faculty member since 2004, Dr. Wrenn shared his thoughts on how psychologists can better equip themselves to serve patients as prescribing providers.
Dr. Craige Wrenn of Drake University, Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences Department Chair and Professor of Pharmacology
After earning his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Vanderbilt University, Dr. Wrenn joined Drake University in 2004 as a professor of pharmacology. In the nearly two decades since, his research work has focused on neuropharmacology and neuroscience. Recognized as a leading scholar in the field, he has been awarded the Hartig Distinguished Professor (2011), Mentor of the Year (2013), and the Troyer Research Fellowship (2015).
| Education Stage | Duration | Cumulative Years | Key Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 years | 4 years | Foundation in psychology, research skills |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD/PsyD) | 5-7 years | 9-11 years | Licensed psychologist, clinical expertise |
| MSCP Program | 1-2 years | 10-13 years | Pharmacology training, prescriptive preparation |
| Supervised Practice | 1-2 years | 11-15 years | Prescriptive authority eligibility |
Core Training Components
Preparing psychologists to become effective prescribers involves taking them through a series of courses that deepen their understanding of the physiological and pathological implications of mental illness and the pharmacokinetic influence of drug treatment.
Physiology
The study of the body's structures and normal functions makes it possible to understand how the body and mind are affected by mental illness. Students learn about neuroanatomy, brain chemistry, and the physiological systems that influence behavior and cognition.
Pathology
Knowing exactly how mental illness manifests itself physically, psychologically, and neurologically prepares psychologists to treat patients more effectively through a combination of pharmacotherapeutics and talk therapy. This includes understanding disease processes, symptom progression, and biological markers of mental health conditions.
Pharmacokinetics
When mental health practitioners learn how different medications move through the body, they're better able to select appropriate drugs and set expectations for how patients will feel after taking them. This includes studying absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of psychiatric medications.
Learning these subjects in depth involves an interdisciplinary approach, pulling in professionals from other fields of medicine. At Drake University, the MSCP program is offered through the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, a fact Dr. Wrenn sees as a huge advantage for the practicing psychologists who attend.
"Our Master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology will be housed in our College of Pharmacy, so our faculty will be experts in pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacotherapy. And so, the psychologist will be learning about the medications from people who are in their profession."
Drawing in expertise from the fields of neuroscience, pharmaceutical science, and more, the program gives psychologists a chance to connect with medical professionals they may not otherwise have many opportunities to work with and learn from. The program offers a unique experience where practitioners gather in a multidisciplinary environment, learning to speak each other's languages and viewing mental health treatment through different professional lenses.
Psychologists practicing in different specialties and working with different patient populations come together here to learn how to better serve patients through psychopharmacology. Many of them come away with the ability to prescribe life-changing medications. By sparking cooperation and bringing mental health experts together with other medical professionals, Dr. Wrenn hopes the program will make mental healthcare more accessible to more people.
Licensing and Certification
Beyond educational requirements, prescribing psychologists must meet specific licensing and certification standards. These requirements ensure that practitioners have the knowledge and supervised experience necessary to prescribe medications safely.
Initial Psychology Licensure
Before pursuing prescriptive authority, psychologists must first be licensed to practice psychology in their state. This typically requires:
- Completion of a doctoral degree from an accredited program
- 1,500-2,000 hours of supervised postdoctoral experience
- Passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
- Passing state-specific jurisprudence exams
State-specific requirements vary, so psychologists should consult their state's psychology licensing board for exact requirements.
Psychopharmacology Certification
After completing an MSCP program, psychologists must obtain certification to prescribe. Requirements typically include:
- Completion of required coursework hours (400-450 hours, depending on state)
- Passing the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists (PEP)
- Supervised clinical practice hours (varies by state, typically 400-1,000 hours)
- Collaborative practice agreement with a physician (required in most states)
Continuing Education
Maintaining prescriptive authority requires ongoing education. Most states mandate:
- Annual continuing education credits in psychopharmacology
- Regular updates on new medications and treatment protocols
- Periodic competency assessments
- Maintenance of collaborative relationships with physicians
Salary and Career Outlook
Prescribing psychologists can command higher salaries than their non-prescribing counterparts, reflecting their additional training and expanded scope of practice. Salary varies significantly by state, practice setting, and years of experience.
| Role | National Median Salary | Top 10% Earnings | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist (Non-Prescribing) | $90,130 | $142,760 | Standard practice without medication management |
| Prescribing Psychologist | $105,000-$125,000* | $160,000+* | Premium for prescriptive authority in qualifying states |
| Psychiatrist (MD/DO) | $249,760 | $300,000+ | Medical degree required, different training path |
*Prescribing psychologist salaries are estimates based on market data, as the BLS does not separately track this specialty. Actual salaries vary by state, setting, and experience.
State-Specific Salary Considerations
Prescribing psychologists in states with prescriptive authority often command premium compensation:
- Louisiana: Prescribing psychologists earn 15-25% more than non-prescribing colleagues, with median salaries around $110,000-$120,000
- New Mexico: Rural areas offer higher compensation due to workforce shortages, with salaries reaching $115,000-$130,000
- Illinois: Urban practices in the Chicago area report salaries of $120,000-$140,000 for experienced prescribing psychologists
- Iowa and Idaho: Newer prescriptive authority markets showing competitive salaries of $100,000-$115,000
Career Outlook
The career outlook for prescribing psychologists is exceptionally positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth for psychologists overall through 2032, but prescribing psychologists may experience faster growth due to:
- Nationwide shortage of psychiatrists, particularly in rural areas
- Increased recognition of mental health needs
- Expansion of telehealth services
- Potential for additional states to grant prescriptive authority
- Growing demand for integrated behavioral health services
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
Career Advantages of Prescriptive Authority
Beyond salary considerations, prescriptive authority offers significant professional and patient care advantages. Prescribing psychologists occupy a unique position in the mental health workforce, combining deep psychological expertise with medical treatment capabilities.
Treating the Whole Patient
Psychopharmacology isn't just about prescribing medications to elicit favorable behavioral or neurological changes. It's about understanding how medications work and why. An interdisciplinary approach to research and learning in the model of psychopharmacology is exactly what's required to provide comprehensive patient care.
Interdisciplinary discovery isn't just something that occurs in pharmaceutical research labs or even during class discussions among psychologists, physicians, and pharmacists. It can also occur between mental health practitioners and their patients during therapy. According to Dr. Wrenn, prescribing providers are uniquely positioned to have conversations with patients that reveal underlying causes of illness and distress.
"Many people may not realize that it's the profession of pharmacy that receives the most training in pharmacology and knowledge about medications. We're very excited and optimistic about leveraging our expertise in those areas by helping psychologists get the knowledge that they need to be effective prescribers."
Spotting Causal Factors That Might Otherwise Be Overlooked
Prescribing providers can spot causal factors that might otherwise be overlooked. Consider a patient with both asthma and an anxiety disorder. Recently, the patient's asthma has gotten worse, so she relies more heavily on an albuterol inhaler. Around the same time, the patient notices a severe uptick in anxious feelings. To the patient, it seems like the anxiety medication and grounding techniques she's used successfully for years don't work anymore. It becomes a major psychological setback.
The patient's prescribing provider psychologist notes that these symptoms of panic only occur after the patient uses her inhaler. After doing some research, the psychologist finds out that inhalers can cause tremors and a nervous reaction, two symptoms of anxiety. The psychologist presents this information to the patient, and together they develop a plan for getting through those anxious moments. The patient, now aware that this is a medical issue, approaches her physician about the side effects she's been experiencing, ultimately finding emotional, physical, and psychological relief.
Enhanced Patient Access
Prescribing psychologists help address the critical shortage of mental health prescribers, particularly in underserved areas. They can:
- Reduce wait times for medication evaluations
- Provide continuity of care by managing both therapy and medications
- Offer more appointment availability than psychiatrists
- Practice in rural areas where psychiatrists are scarce
Professional Autonomy and Growth
Prescriptive authority allows psychologists to:
- Practice with greater independence
- Make real-time treatment adjustments
- Develop comprehensive treatment plans
- Command higher reimbursement rates
- Attract a broader patient base
Steps to Becoming a Prescribing Psychologist
The pathway to becoming a prescribing psychologist is lengthy but rewarding. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree (4 Years)
Complete a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. Maintain a strong GPA (3.5+), gain research experience, and build relationships with professors who can provide strong recommendation letters for graduate school applications.
Step 2: Complete a Doctoral Program (5-7 Years)
Apply to accredited PhD or PsyD programs in clinical psychology. Complete all coursework, clinical training, comprehensive exams, and dissertation or doctoral project requirements. Finish with a predoctoral internship.
Step 3: Obtain Psychology Licensure (1-2 Years)
Complete postdoctoral supervised hours required by your state (typically 1,500-2,000 hours). Pass the EPPP and any state-specific exams. Apply for and receive your psychology license.
Step 4: Enroll in an MSCP Program (1-2 Years)
Research and apply to accredited Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology programs. Complete all required coursework in physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and pharmacokinetics.
Step 5: Complete Supervised Clinical Practice
Fulfill your state's required supervised prescribing hours (400-1,000 hours, depending on state). Work under the supervision of a physician or experienced prescribing psychologist. Document all supervised patient encounters and medication decisions.
Step 6: Pass Certification Exams
Take and pass the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists (PEP). Complete any additional state-specific certification requirements.
Step 7: Apply for Prescriptive Authority
Submit your application to your state psychology board for prescriptive authority. Provide documentation of completed education, supervised hours, and exam results. Establish collaborative practice agreements as required by state law.
Step 8: Maintain Certification
Complete continuing education requirements annually. Stay current with new medications and treatment protocols. Renew your prescriptive authority according to your state's schedule.
Even with pharmacological training, licensing protocols in most states don't allow psychologists to prescribe medication. Still, getting an education in psychopharmacology allows psychologists to have more nuanced and more effective conversations with patients. This allows them to consider how a serious medical diagnosis could affect physical and mental well-being, discuss it with the patient, and get other members of the patient's medical team involved.
Today's psychologists have access to a world of research and discovery. Psychopharmacology is allowing them to boldly defy the law of the instrument with a new set of tools and a better understanding of what targets to aim for as they work to help patients achieve optimal wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What states allow psychologists to prescribe medication?
Five states currently grant prescriptive authority to properly trained psychologists: Louisiana, New Mexico, Illinois, Iowa, and Idaho. Each state has specific requirement,s including completion of a master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology and supervised clinical practice hours.
How long does it take to become a prescribing psychologist?
The complete pathway takes 12-15 years: 4 years for a bachelor's degree, 5-7 years for a doctoral degree, 1-2 years for an MSCP, and 1-2 years of supervised practice. The timeline can vary based on program structure and state requirements.
What's the salary difference between prescribing and non-prescribing psychologists?
Prescribing psychologists typically earn 15-30% more than non-prescribing colleagues. While clinical psychologists earn a median of $90,130 nationally, prescribing psychologists in qualifying states can earn $105,000-$125,000 or more, with top earners exceeding $160,000.
Do I need a PhD to prescribe medications as a psychologist?
You need a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology plus a Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology. Both types of doctoral degrees qualify you for prescriptive authority training, though you must also complete state-specific requirements.
What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a prescribing psychologist?
Psychiatrists attend medical school and complete psychiatric residencies, while prescribing psychologists earn psychology doctorates and then pursue specialized pharmacology training. Both can prescribe medications, but prescribing psychologists typically spend more time on psychotherapy and psychological assessment.
Can prescribing psychologists practice in all states?
No. Currently, only Louisiana, New Mexico, Illinois, Iowa, and Idaho grant prescriptive authority to psychologists. However, psychologists with MSCP training can practice therapy in any state where they hold a psychology license, even if they can't prescribe there.
Is there a national certification for prescribing psychologists?
While there's no universal national license, the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists (PEP) is widely recognized. Individual states set their own certification requirements, which typically include passing the PEP along with completing approved training programs and supervised practice hours.
What medications can prescribing psychologists prescribe?
Prescribing psychologists can prescribe most psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. State regulations vary, and most states require collaborative agreements with physicians for certain medication classes or patient populations.
Key Takeaways
- Becoming a prescribing psychologist requires a doctoral degree plus a Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology, totaling 12-13 years of education and training.
- Only five U.S. states currently grant prescriptive authority: Louisiana, New Mexico, Illinois, Iowa, and Idaho, each with specific requirements and supervision periods.
- Prescribing psychologists earn 15-30% more than non-prescribing colleagues, with median salaries ranging from $105,000-$125,000 in qualifying states.
- The interdisciplinary training combines psychology expertise with pharmacology knowledge, allowing practitioners to treat both psychological and biological aspects of mental health.
- Career advantages include enhanced patient care, professional autonomy, better access to underserved populations, and the ability to provide comprehensive treatment integrating therapy and medication management.
- Programs like Drake University's MSCP offer specialized training through pharmacy colleges, providing psychologists with expert-level pharmacology education from pharmaceutical professionals.
Ready to Advance Your Psychology Career?
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2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other; Psychiatric Techs; Psychiatrists; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors; Marriage & Family Therapists; and Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.