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.

On this day in 2014, Illinois became just the third state to enact prescriptive authority for psychologists. This episode of The Continuing Evolution and History of RxP features the inside story of its creation. Host Dr. George Kapalka sits down with Dr. Beth Rom-Rymer for an in-depth discussion of the decades-long effort to secure prescribing rights for psychologists in Illinois. The conversation traces Dr. Rom-Rymer’s professional journey—from victim advocacy and domestic violence work in Florida to her leadership within APA and the Illinois Psychological Association—and details legislative strategy, coalition-building, advocacy, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement. The episode also explores the ongoing expansion of prescribing authority in Illinois, the state’s distinctive training model, and the growing international momentum for psychologist prescribing in countries such as Canada and South Africa.

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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