Two paths have been suggested for the future evolution of professional psychology. Prescribing psychology has already been legally authorized in two states, the military, and the Indian Health Service. Primary care psychology does not require legal recognition and has been slowly growing as a career option for psychologists across the nation. Both paths have their obstacles and limitations, but both are also associated with great potential. This article provides a brief summary of the strengths and weaknesses of each path and suggests an integrated perspective for planning the future of the profession. Each is seen as complementary to the other and providing a basis for pursuing the other. Keywords: primary care, integrated primary care, prescriptive authority, healthcare systems Doctoral-level healthcare psychology faces several serious threats to its status quo and perhaps even its survival. The first comes from the pressures all healthcare professions are experiencing from managed care and other third-party reimbursement systems. Involvement in managed care has been associated in psychologists with longer working hours, larger caseloads, less participation in supervision, greater stress, higher rates of premature termination, reduced flexibility, and greater pressure to com
