Geographic Distribution of Neuropsychological Service Providers and Its Correlates

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.