The Continuing Evolution and History of RxP
An Oral History of Prescriptive Authority for Psychologists
Learn how RxP’s past shapes its present and future
As a proud proponent of the prescriptive authority movement and the field of psychopharmacology, Alliant has connections with many of its prominent pioneers. Hosted by Alliant professor and Postdoctoral MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology program director Dr. George Kapalka, this podcast features interviews with these influential figures and serves as the definitive oral history of RxP’s past, present, and future.
Dr. George Kapalka speaks with two central figures in the early development of psychopharmacology training for psychologists outside the military: Dr. Elaine LeVine and Dr. Stephen Berger. The conversation traces the origins and evolution of the Prescribing Psychologist Register (PPR), founded by Dr. Samuel Feldman, and examines how early certificate-based training programs laid the groundwork for today’s MSCP standard.
Dr. Berger recounts his path into RxP advocacy through professional politics in California, including the CAPP v. Rank case and APA task forces that helped shape early training guidelines. Dr. LeVine shares a detailed and personal account of how PPR training catalyzed her efforts to establish New Mexico’s first in-state psychopharmacology training program, ultimately supporting successful RxP legislation.
Together, the guests reflect on the tensions between certificate programs and degree-based training, the gradual standardization of APA guidelines from 120 to 450 hours, and the critical role of grassroots legislative advocacy. The episode highlights how early pioneers navigated uncertainty, institutional resistance, and political realities to advance RxP education—while emphasizing the importance of preserving psychologists’ professional identity as both therapists and prescribers.
About the Alliant MSCP program
In 1998, the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant established the nation’s first postdoctoral MSCP program. Ever since, it has been at the forefront of preparing students for consulting practice and prescriptive authority (where permitted by law) in psychopharmacology. The MSCP program at Alliant is designated by the American Psychological Association (APA) as an Education and Training Program in Psychopharmacology for Prescriptive Authority.
About CSPP
Founded in 1969 as one of the nation’s first free-standing schools of professional psychology, CSPP has educated thousands of students who are now working professionals in clinical psychology, couples and family therapy, social work, and organizational psychology. Our degree programs prepare the next generation of mental health professionals and advocates to help improve access to quality care in every community.
CSPP is also well known for our powerful connections to the field of psychology and highly regarded faculty and alumni, both past and present. CSPP has a legacy of academic excellence and supporting a multicultural, diverse culture.
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