Giving psychologists the option to become trained prescribers may create a division among psychologists whereby some will be able to prescribe and others will not. As a result, major discord could emerge. It is possible that psychologists with the right to prescribe may consider themselves superior to those without the right. If gaining prescription privileges would lead to broader third party payments or full hospital privileges for those qualified to prescribe, psychologists unable to do so may feel that they have been accorded second class status in their profession. The debate, thus far, has focused on the training necessary to grant psychologists prescription privileges. Although this matter is important, of more basic concern are treatment implications and the future role of psychologists. Prescription privileges could move psychologists closer to a medical model and further away from their historical goal. Psychology began in the late 19th century as an application for psychological techniques. Its focus has been on assessment, behavioral interventions, consultation, and applied research. Before the widespread use of psychotropic medications, psychiatry emphasized the practice of psychotherapy. Gradually, psychiatry moved toward increased reliance on drugs and away from psychotherapy. It is possible, over time, that psychologists, like psychiatrists, could become more influenced by the use of medication. Despite the argument that prescription privileges significantly may alter traditional psychotherapeutic implications, some psychologists strongly feel that they would be looked upon more favorably, gain prestige, and increase their caseload if they could have the same status of prescribing medication as psychiatrists do. Does this mean that a lack of prescription privileges promotes the image of psychology as an inferior profession to psychiatry? Contrary to this argument is the fact that psychologists are delivering more outpatient mental health care than any other group of providers. Whatever some psychologists may perceive as a therapeutic drawback because they are unable to offer prescriptions for psychotropic medications apparently is not recognized by the general public. Psychologists may have flourished because they have offered a clear and distinct service from psychiatry. The use of medication may send a message to patients that may interfere with personal change and growth. Medications can undercut psychotherapy efforts by implying that benefits come from external agents, not from ones own efforts at change and growth. A large portion of the population prefers the non-medication orientation of psychology. If psychologists began prescribing medications, many of their patients seeking alternative treatment might turn to social workers or other non-medical therapists. There is little question that psychologists prescription privileges could have profound effects on the future direction of their profession. Prescription privileges may lead to professional discord mainly because______.