Meet the division volunteer: Joseph E. Comaty, MS, PhD, MSCP, MP, ABSMIP

I have been and continue to be inspired by my prescribing psychologist colleagues. I especially admire those pioneering psychologists in Los Angeles who took it upon themselves to do what was necessary and contribute time and money to get the second RxP bill passed in the U.S. I have a special and enduring bond with that original cohort. I am in awe of my colleagues who provide needed services to individuals who otherwise would not be able to access therapy and pharmacotherapy. I have found them to be dedicated, brilliant, and compassionate professionals.

Expanding the number of states with prescriptive privilege laws for psychologists; allowing psychologists to prescribe in the VA and the Bureau of Prisons; and revising regulations to allow prescribing psychologists to be reimbursed for their services under Medicare.

The most exciting project for our division is the establishment of a specialty board under the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) for prescribing psychology. We were just notified in December 2024 that ABPP has approved the full proposal, and the next step for the committee will be the implementation phase of the process.

The division is comprised of a dedicated group of individuals who are prescribing psychologists or who have expertise in psychopharmacology, academicians, researchers, practitioners, and students who all share a desire to use their skills and training to contribute to enhancing the quality of healthcare for our citizens.

I had a desire to learn how to fly. My wife gave me a gift certificate for initial lessons, and I kept going. I have been a certificated private pilot for many years and have been working on my instrument rating.

Contact: Joseph Comaty