SCHOOL-PSYCHOLOGISTS ATTITUDES TOWARD AN EXPANDED HEALTH-CARE ROLE - PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND PRESCRIPTION PRIVILEGES

The issue of prescription privileges for psychologists has been hotly debated within the American Psychological Association (APA) in recent years, Psychopharmacological intervention with both adults and school- age children has been on the increase, and likely will continue to inc rease in the future. The purpose of the present study was to examine f or school psychologists the existing related roles, that is, psychopha rmacology-related experiences, and attitudes toward emerging roles, i. e., psychopharmacology evaluation/research and prescription priviliege s. The article profiles the results of a national survey of school psy chologists who are members of the APA regarding these concerns. The su rvey was conducted as part of the efforts of the Division 16 Task Forc e on Psychopharmacology in the Schools. Survey results were expected t o provide guidance regarding future training needs and advocacy effort s on behalf of the specialization of school psychology.