Psychologists are health professionals with training and expertise
in human behavior and psychological health. Psychologists are not medical
doctors, but they hold a doctor of psychology (PsyD degree) or doctor of
philosophy (PhD degree) in clinical psychology, counseling, or school
psychology.
Psychologists evaluate and treat people who have mental health
problems, such as depression. Psychologists also provide counseling and other
mental health services. In most states, psychologists do not prescribe
medication. However, many states are reviewing prescription-writing privileges
for psychologists, and regulations may change. Some psychologists practicing in
New Mexico, Louisiana, the territory of Guam, the U.S. military, Indian Health
Services, and other departments of the federal government have prescription
privileges.
Psychologists are licensed in the state in which they
practice.
