Geographic distribution of neuropsychological service providers and its correlates.

Abstract

The present study was the first of a number of studies exploring distribution of psychologists offering specialized services. A sample of 1,491 neuropsychological service providers listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology were categorized in their appropriate Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) or nonmetropolitan area according to address. Results indicated that marked disparities in distribution of neuropsychological service providers exist between SMSAs within a given state, and between metropolitan and rural areas. Multiple regressions indicated that the variance in absolute distribution of providers can be explained through population in large SMSAs but not in small SMSAs. Per capita distribution of providers was to a limited extent explained by per capita distribution of psychology faculty in graduate psychology programs, by population density, and by median household income in large SMSAs but not in small SMSAs. Measures of health care availability were poor predictors.Interest in and need for information on the services of psychologists has increased, as demonstrated in a number of extensive surveys recently conducted regarding psychological personnel types of service provided, radical and age distribution of clients seen by psychologists, and employment settings for psychologists (

The Provision of Neuropsychological Services in Rural/Regional Settings: Professional and Ethical Issues

“…Census Bureau, 2002); however, a similar inequality in the distribution of psychologists to rural areas has been reported, with approximately one psychologist per 7,000 to 10,000 residents in rural areas (American Psychological Association, 2008;Bazana, 1999). Based on these data, it is expected that there is also a similar disparity of neuropsychologists practicing in rural versus metropolitan regions in Australia and abroad, although systematic data are lacking (Barbopoulos & Clark, 2003;Sladen, Mozdzierz, & Greenblatt, 1986;Troster, Paolo, Glatt, Hubble, & Koller, 1995). In support of this notion, the Loddon Mallee region occupies more than a quarter of the area of the state of Victoria, Australia, representing the largest of the Department of Human Services regions of the state (Figure 1).…”

Distribution of psychologists in underserved areas: Changes over time, 1970–1981.

“…Distribution of psychologists is an important variable that has received other recent, if scant, attention (Richards & Gottfredson, 1978; Ryan, Farage, Rosenberg, & Lips, 1983; Sladen, Mozdzierz, & Greenblatt, 1986). Information about distribution is extremely important if ultimately one hopes to increase specialized mental health services to areas with shortages; such information is also important if psychologists hope to persuade legislators of the efficacy and cost efficiency of their services.…”