The Psychiatry Access Crisis in Pennsylvania
- 1 in 5 adults in Pennsylvania lives with a mental illness.
- 1.7 million Pennsylvanians live in areas with mental health provider shortages.
- 10% of students in PA reported attempting suicide at least once in the past year.
- 426,000 adults (4.28% of PA adults) have serious thoughts of suicide.
- 97% of counties lack sufficient child and adolescent psychiatric care access.
(Sources: NAMI State Fact Sheet, HRSA Shortage Area Tool)
How RxP Could Improve Access to Care
What is RxP?
RxP (Prescriptive Authority for Psychologists) enables trained psychologists to prescribe medications, addressing psychiatric shortages and integrating mental health care with psychopharmacology in one provider.
Benefits of Psychologist Prescribers
- Enhanced Access: Fewer appointments, reduced treatment plan conflicts, and cost savings.
- Patient Satisfaction: Research shows high patient satisfaction with psychologist prescribers (Curtis et al, 2022).
- Recognition in Healthcare: Prescribing psychologists are respected among medical professionals.
Success of RxP in Other States
Where RxP is Active
- 6 States: Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, New Mexico, Colorado.
Federal and Military Use
- Military Programs: The U.S. Armed Forces, Public Health Service, and Indian Health Service all utilize prescribing psychologists.
- Insurance: Major insurers, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, cover psychologist prescribers.
Training & Safety
- Psychologists have extensive training in behavioral health, often more than general physicians.
- RxP has over 20 years of safe practice with zero malpractice claims.
- 5 APA-designated training programs support RxP certification.
Why Psychologist Prescribers Are the Solution
- Behavioral Integration: Combining behavioral interventions with medication reduces over-reliance on pharmaceuticals.
- Fewer Providers Involved: Streamlined care reduces overlapping appointments and conflicting treatment plans, saving time and cost.
Additional Resources
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