There are 24 counties in the state with fewer than five psychiatrists. Not only are psychiatrists rare in some areas, but they are also more expensive, which further limits access. Pros and Cons Proponents of SB 694 argue that the doctoral-level training undertaken by psychologists qualifies them to deal with mental illness more so than most physicians. They cite a California Supreme Court ruling that psychologists are fully qualified primary care providers with respect to patients with mental illness. It makes good sense to set up a system in which psychologists who meet additional educational requirements would be given the authority to prescribe medication.
Opponents contend that the training provided for in the bill is inadequate.
Many feel that as time brings new and significantly more powerful drugs for the treatment of mental disorders to the market, the arguments against psychologists prescribing will increase. The opposition cites the California Medical Association and the California Psychological Association's six-year demonstration program of the U.S. Department of Defense, wherein psychologists undertook three years of pharmacological training and supervised experience. We see no reason to reinstate this demonstration project. The American Psychiatric Association's public policy regarding the issue is posted on its Web site, and quotes the 1995 testimony of James H. Scully Jr., M.D., the APA's deputy medical director for education. Of course, psychologists making this claim do not count medical school as part of a psychiatrist's training.