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Psychopharmacology Information
While Clinical Psychologists cannot prescribe medication (although this may be changing in the future), it is imperative that they have knowledge of psychopharmacology. I have worked with many patients who are taking medication, e.g. an anti-depressant, or could benefit by taking such. With the patient's written permission, I have consulted with their primary physician, who will often prescribe the medication, or I will collaborate with a psychiatrist in this regard. Monitoring side effects and dosage levels as they may influence affect, cognitive, and behavioral functioning is very important. There are many non-M.D. mental health professionals who believe simply that medication masks the "real" problems, and may be detrimental to the patient's progress in psychotherapy. There are many studies that show that both medication and psychotherapy can be beneficial separately, and that the two together even more so. Hence, I believe in the appropriate and judicial use of medication.
The following sites will give you a great deal of valuable information about psychopharmacology:
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