My doctor wants me to see a psychologist to see if I need amphetamine... why cant he just perscribe?

Hey, doctalk, I just ran into this same situation this week. My Suboxone doc was also prescribing Adderall, but he's $250 a visit. I am unable to see him this month so he won't let me pick up my adderall. I saw my regular MD today & he said what your doctor told you. In order to prescribe amphetamines a docotr needs to have a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD on file first. He/she cannot just write a script without actual proof of this diagnosis.
It seems my Suboxone doctor never requested my file when I transferred from another state. He just took my word that I have ADD.

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Now, you don't neccessarily have to see a psychiatrist to get a diagonsis. There are MD's who have enough knowledge of ADD to do the diagnostic inquiry-consisting of a thorough background history coupled with a questionaire that's used as a tool for ADD/ADHD dianostics. This was explained to me when making an appointment with a doctor well-versed in treating ADD/ADHD I have for next week.
So, I will have been out of Adderall for 14 days by then &after 7 days I already notice the backslide.
I would research your area for a qualified provider to get you set up with a diagnosis.
And before you take an amphetamine I would try the non-stimulant meds first. They can work well without the extra side effect risk & dependency issues. I endured 5 days of troubled sleep, restlessness & still not over the mild depression.

First of all, A PSYCHOLOGIST does not prescribe medications. You need to see a PSYCHIATRIST for that.
A Psychologist is a "talk-doctor", he/she can administer tests and provide therapy. He/she is usually less expensive than a Psychiatrist and your appointments are usually a 50 min hour.
A Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medications and do procedures. This doc schedules appts for anywhere between 5 to 30 mins not counting your first appt which may be an hour long. After this first appt, subsequent appts with a Psychiatrist will be shorter and less often for purposes of medication management.
Even less expensive, talk therapy can be provided by a Therapist. Rarely will a Psychiatrist provide medications w/o being in counseling.
Your first appointment will involve and "intake" where the physician will ask many questions to better understand and evaluate your "condition".

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An intake can be done by any of the three and the process is usually determined by the clinic where you are seen. ask when you call.

Check with your county mental health dept., often you can get mental health services based on your income, But get started ASAP because the process may take months.