Geographic distribution of California mental health professionals in relation to sociodemographic characteristics.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether geographic access to licensed mental health providers in California is a barrier for underserved populations.


METHODS
Data from the master file of the California Board of Psychology and Board of Behavioral Sciences were merged with U.S. Census data to determine the correlations between the concentration of providers and the corresponding sociodemographic characteristics of places in California.


RESULTS
This article shows that the concentration of licensed mental health providers in the communities of California varies systematically with the racial, ethnic, age, education, and economic characteristics of those places. Specifically, licensed mental health providers are more concentrated in places that are wealthier, Whiter, older, and more educated.


CONCLUSIONS
Policy and advocacy efforts in health service psychology can help assure more equitable distribution of mental health services. (PsycINFO Database Record
Graduate School of Psychology, California Lutheran University.
Ryan N
RN
Sharma
Graduate School of Psychology, California Lutheran University.
Rachel N
RN
Casas
Graduate School of Psychology, California Lutheran University.
Nicole M
NM
Crawford
Graduate School of Psychology, California Lutheran University.
Lauren N
LN
Mills
D000328:Adult; D002140:California; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D019981:Health Care Sector / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011365:Professional Practice Location / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors