Ken Argues That It Might Be More Cost Effective for Psychologists

question 14

Multiple Choice

Ken argues that it might be more cost effective for psychologists to prescribe medicine for their patients rather than referring to psychiatrists or physicians.Which of the following arguments would best serve as a rebuttal to Ken's argument?

• A)Absolutely not,because psychologists do not believe in the efficacy of drug therapy and do not want prescription privileges.
• B)Absolutely.The provision of education required to competently prescribe would not occur at the expense of training in psychological assessments and interventions making adequate prescription training possible.
• C)Maybe,but undeserved groups such as the elderly,the chronically mentally ill and those living in rural areas would benefit very little from such a service.
• D)Maybe,but many major mental disorders (such as schizophrenia)are best treated with psychotherapy,so why prescribe medication.
• E)One has to be careful when allocating prescription privileges because the biological and pharmaceutical training required of psychologists may be inadequate.