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Brookester said:

Knowing what I do about psychologists, I would be very tempted to turn her into the State Board for flagrant misuse of her title as she does not have permission to be giving you a psychiatric diagnosis.


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Just to clarify, the above statement is not correct. Psychologists are qualified and legally allowed to diagnose. Psychiatrists often refer clients to psychologists for diagnostic assessment using psychological tests, history, and interviewing.

That said, I don't agree with Mrs.Dodge's psychologist providing detailed recommendations regarding medication to the physician, unless she is a prescribing psychologist. Maybe she and the physician have an excellent working relationship in which they consult frequently regarding all aspects of treatment, but I think that should happen in some format other than the patient's chart. I certainly would not put in writing any medication recommendation, particularly one so specific. Instead, I might suggest a classification of meds or better, call the physician to talk about it.

Good luck Mrs.Dodge. It certainly sounds like a difficult time. Based on what I read in your post, I think I'd say go with your gut about the psychologist. Talk to her again, but if your gut still says "ick", then perhaps try the psychiatrist your doc mentioned?

Take care,

gg