Who can prescribe antidepressants?

Are you considering antidepressants but aren’t sure who to turn to? Understanding who can prescribe antidepressants is the first step in getting the right care for your symptoms of depression. Antidepressant medication isn’t right for everyone, so it’s important to consult a qualified healthcare professional who can assess your needs.

In this article, we cover how to get a prescription and explore the various healthcare providers who can prescribe antidepressants. With this knowledge, you can find the right provider for your needs.

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At Klarity Health, we understand that depression takes a toll on you. You shouldn’t have to endure long waitlists or inconvenient commutes to get the care you need. That’s why we empower you to find a depression provider, right from the comfort of home.

Understanding prescribed antidepressants and who can prescribe them

Antidepressants are medications used to treat mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other mood disorders. There are many FDA-approved types of antidepressants, including:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (escitalopram), and Paxil (paroxetine)
• Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as Cymbalta (duloxetine), Pristiq (desvenlafaxine), and Effexor (venlafaxine)
• Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs), such as atomoxetine and Wellbutrin (bupropion)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as amitriptyline, amoxapine, and doxepin
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Marplan (isocarboxazid, Nardil (phenelzine), and Emsam (selegiline).
  

There are also medications used off-label (for something they’re not FDA-approved to treat) for depression. 

The right provider can help you find the right type of medication and treatment options for your symptoms.

The only way to get a prescription for antidepressants is through a qualified healthcare provider. Several types of professionals can prescribe antidepressants if they find they’re a medically necessary part of a depression treatment plan for you.

Licensed health professionals who can prescribe antidepressants

Not all mental health providers are the same. Each has different specialties, qualifications, and licenses. Below, we outline the professionals who can prescribe antidepressants and how they can help you.

Primary care providers (PCPs)

Primary care doctors and providers are medical doctors (MDs), such as family physicians, internists, and general practitioners, who can prescribe antidepressants and provide ongoing care. They’re often the first point of contact for people looking for help with mental health issues. PCPs can:

• Evaluate your symptoms and medical history
• Rule out any underlying medical conditions
• Prescribe initial antidepressant medication
• Monitor your progress and adjust mental health treatment as needed

If your case is complex or requires specialized care, your PCP can refer you to a mental health specialist.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in mental health. They have extensive training in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses and can prescribe antidepressants. 

Psychiatrists offer:

• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
• Customized treatment plans
• Medication management
• Various forms of psychotherapy

Psychiatrists are well-equipped to handle complex mental health conditions and can adjust medications based on your response and side effects. While you might see a therapist for therapy, therapists are not psychiatrists and can’t prescribe medication. 

Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs)

Psychiatric nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses with specialized training in mental health care. They can prescribe antidepressants and provide services similar to psychiatrists and other nurse practitioners (NPs), including:

• Diagnosing mental health conditions
• Prescribing and managing medications
• Offering psychotherapy and counseling

PNPs often work with psychiatrists or independently in private practices, clinics, or hospitals.

Nurse practitioners (PNPs)

Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who can prescribe and manage medications.

NPs often work with medical doctors or independently in private practices, clinics, or hospitals.

Physician assistants/associates (PAs)

Physician assistants are licensed healthcare professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of one or more physicians. In many states, PAs can prescribe antidepressants and are qualified to:

• Conduct mental health assessments
• Develop treatment plans
• Prescribe and monitor medications

PAs play a vital role in expanding access to mental health services, especially in underserved areas. You can find PAs working who work with medical doctors or independently in private practices, clinics, or hospitals.

Use a telehealth service to find someone who can prescribe antidepressants

A convenient option to find a prescribing provider is to use a telehealth service. Telemedicine let you consult with a mental health professional online or over the phone and even in person depending on the service. Healthcare marketplace platforms like Klarity Health connect you with licensed providers who can prescribe antidepressants in in-person or online appointments. They offer benefits such as:

• Convenience: Access care from the comfort of your home.
• Short wait times: Schedule appointments promptly; often get in in as little as 24 hours.*
• Privacy: Confidential, secure consultations.
• Accessibility: Ideal for those in remote areas or with mobility issues and who don’t have or don’t want to use insurance.
• Affordability: Platforms like Klarity Health offer appointments at costs often lower than many providers and even free consultations to assess fit.

Telehealth services can be particularly helpful if you prefer not to visit a physical office or have a busy schedule.

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Who can’t prescribe antidepressants?

Not all mental health professionals can prescribe antidepressants. The following providers offer valuable support but aren’t authorized to prescribe medication.

Psychologists

A psychologist typically holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology. They specialize in:

• Providing psychotherapy (talk therapy, cognitive behavior therapy [CBT] and others)
• Conducting psychological testing and assessments
• Researching behavioral and mental processes

Psychologists can’t prescribe antidepressants, with limited exceptions in certain states after additional training. Psychologists though can and do work closely with prescribing providers to ensure comprehensive care.

Counselors and therapists

A licensed professional counselor (LPC) or therapist usually has a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. They offer:

• Individual, group, or family therapy
• Coping strategies and skill-building
• Emotional support and guidance

They can’t prescribe medications but play a crucial role in treating mental health conditions through therapy.

Social workers

A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) holds a master’s degree in social work. They provide:

• Counseling and psychotherapy
• Case management and advocacy
• Help with accessing community resources

While they can’t prescribe antidepressants, social workers help address the social and environmental factors affecting mental health.

Can therapists prescribe antidepressants?

Therapists can’t typically prescribe antidepressants. This includes professionals, such as:

• Marriage and family therapists (MFTs)
• Licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs)
• Certified addiction counselors

If your therapist believes medication can benefit you, they can collaborate with or refer you to a provider who can prescribe antidepressants, like a psychiatrist or primary care physician.

How to choose the right provider to prescribe antidepressants

Selecting the right healthcare provider for you is a personal decision. As you look for a provider, consider the following:

• Severity of your symptoms: Severe or complex conditions may best be treated by a psychiatrist.
• Accessibility: Telehealth services offer greater accessibility to providers who can prescribe antidepressants.
• Comfort level: It’s important to feel comfortable discussing personal issues with your provider.
• Collaborative care: Some patients benefit from a team approach involving both a therapist and a prescribing provider.

Find a provider who can prescribe antidepressants 

At Klarity Health, we connect you with licensed healthcare providers who can prescribe antidepressants if they’re medically necessary for you and offer personalized mental health care. The providers on the Klarity Health platform offer:

• Quick access: Appointments often in as little as 24 hours*
• Convenience: Virtual consultations from your home or preferred location
• Affordability: Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Quality patient-centered care: Experienced providers dedicated to your well-being

Take the first step toward better mental health by scheduling an appointment on Klarity Health today.