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Practice guidelines regarding psychologists' involvement in pharmacological issues
David S Shearer, Bret A Moore, Joseph E Comaty
1Psychology Health Group.
The American Psychologist
|June 15, 2026
Summary
The American Psychological Association updated its guidelines for psychologists on medication issues. These revised guidelines support safe, evidence-based prescribing practices for psychologists involved in pharmacotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychopharmacology
Background:
- The American Psychological Association (APA) has revised its practice guidelines concerning psychologists' involvement in pharmacological issues.
- This revision was initiated by the APA Society for Prescribing Psychology (Division 55) and approved by the APA Council of Representatives in August 2025.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an executive summary of the revised APA Practice Guidelines Regarding Psychologists' Involvement in Pharmacological Issues.
- To highlight key updates reflecting the expanding roles of psychologists in pharmacotherapy and collaborative medical practice.
Main Methods:
- The task force updated and expanded the empirical, theoretical, and practical foundations of the guidelines.
- New research, ethical standards, and practical considerations were integrated into the revised guidelines.
Main Results:
- The revised guidelines reflect substantial growth in psychologists' roles in pharmacotherapy.
- These updates support safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered pharmacological practice for psychologists.
Conclusions:
- The executive summary presents key points from the 14 revised guidelines.
- The updated guidelines aim to enhance psychologists' competence in managing pharmacological issues within patient care.
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