Can a therapist prescribe medication?
Usually no. Most therapists — counselors (LPCs), social workers (LCSWs), marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), and psychologists — provide talk therapy and cannot prescribe medication. Prescribing is done by psychiatrists (medical doctors) and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), and sometimes primary-care clinicians. A therapist can refer you to a prescriber if medication may help.
Who can prescribe
Psychiatric medication is prescribed by psychiatrists (MD/DO), psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), and in some cases primary-care providers. In most states, therapists and psychologists do not prescribe — a small number of states license specially-trained prescribing psychologists.
How therapy and prescribing fit together
Many people see a therapist for ongoing sessions and, separately, a prescriber for medication management — the two coordinate care. If you're working with a therapist and wonder about medication, ask them for a referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP.
Common questions
Can a psychologist prescribe?
In most states, no. Psychologists provide therapy and psychological testing. A few states allow specially-trained prescribing psychologists, but the usual prescribers are psychiatrists and PMHNPs.
Can a nurse practitioner prescribe psychiatric medication?
Yes — a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) can assess, diagnose, and prescribe psychiatric medication in most states, sometimes alongside providing therapy.