Psychologist

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Psychologist

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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.

Credits

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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