AUSTIN, Texas - A recent North Texas Regional Extension Center survey shows that out of 254 counties in Texas, 185 counties don't have a psychiatrist on staff. For anyone living with mental illness, or their families, that could mean driving hours to get a prescription.

That could change if a recently introduced House bill passes.

Making the most of the state's meager mental health resources has been top of mind for many lawmakers.

"There is a shortage of psychiatric treatment available, especially in rural parts of Texas," said Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock.

He penned a bill that would allow psychologists to write prescriptions. Traditionally, only psychiatrists can prescribe medications.

"I'm absolutely, 100 percent supportive of this legislation,” exclaimed Texas Psychological Association’s Carol Grothues. “I think it's been a long time coming."

Only psychologists who complete more training will be able to write prescriptions.

"They would have to get post-doctoral training in pharmacology. They will then have to take a test, they would have to continue to work under a physician and continue to consult with a physician about the individual patients," said Burrows.

Grothues said this measure would help them keep a closer eye on the patient.

"It allows us both to evaluate the right medications that they're on, to un-prescribe medications that they shouldn't have been given," she said.

Burrows also said the bill could also help keep people out of jail.

"Our state jails have become the de facto mental health facilities and there are not enough psychiatry services available to help stabilize those populations. And, of course, our higher needs children in CPS and foster care they need special attention, sometimes medications, and there are not enough psychiatry services available to them," he said.

Both Burrows and Grothues said they didn’t want to take anything away from their medical counterparts.

"We don't want to compete with psychiatrists. We believe in psychiatry and think that they serve a vital role. There's just not enough," Grothues said.

The military, along with four states -- New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois and Iowa -- already allow psychologists to write prescriptions.

The bill has been sent to the Public Health Committee.