Few clinicians would argue that psychotropic medications are necessary for some conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, a scientific debate exists regarding the possibility that psychotherapy may be more effective than medication for some conditions, including depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
The argument for psychotherapy is that therapy enables clients to develop coping skills that they will be able to use to proactively prevent the reoccurence of a disorder, and to make future relapses less intense and more brief.
Psychiatrist Jay Pomerantz, M.D., cites studies that support the position that therapy is more effective than medication in the long term:
(The summary regarding Dr. Pomerantz's position is adapted from an article, "Psychotherapy Is Cost-Effective," in the "A.P.A. Monitor" by Rebecca Clay (January, 2000, Vol 31, No.1)