KIDS ON THE COUCH
The writer implies that differences in training and orientation between psychiatrists and psychologists do not exist, except that psychiatrists, being medical doctors, can hospitalize patients and prescribe medications whereas psychologists cannot. It is true that it is the province of psychiatry to prescribe medication. Although this is helpful for some serious disorders, especially in adults, its usefulness for children is limited. Many mental health professionals are increasingly questioning whether psychiatric medications may not be over-prescribed for children and may result in doing more harm than good.
RICHARD T. CARROLL
Cerritos
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
