The undersigned consumers and behavioral health professionals urge you to support the proposed legislation in Washington to grant prescriptive authority to psychologists with advanced and specialized training in clinical psychopharmacology. Washington State consistently ranks in the bottom half nationally on mental illness prevalence and access measures. Tragically, the behavioral health needs of many in our State will continue to go unmet unless we take action.

The stringent requirements psychologists must meet to be able to prescribe are comparable to other prescribers, such as psychiatric nurse practitioners, and the knowledge and competency are comparable to psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. Prescribing psychologists have a long track record of safely prescribing in the military healthcare system, New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa, Idaho, Colorado, and recently, Utah. Prescribing psychologists also serve consumers in the Indian Health Service and the Public Health Service. We stand alongside other experts in the field who have supported and continue to support prescription authority for psychologists.

This will allow consumers to receive continuity of care when they see psychologists and not wait weeks or months to see an expert to get the medication they need. Prescribing psychologists can provide a single source for both psychotherapy and medication management. You can review testimony from medical doctors and other prescribing providers who are in support of prescribing psychologists here.

Moreover, this change will bring hope to individuals with Medicaid, minorities, including the deaf and hard of hearing, and underserved individuals with disabilities. Together, we can expand access to mental healthcare for all.

Allowing psychologists the opportunity to join colleagues in other states to prescribe medication after extensive additional education and training will give Washington State another tool to combat the mental health crisis our State is facing. Thank you for your support!