Distribution of Psychologists in Underserved Areas: Changes Over Time, 1970-1981

We describe characteristics of psychologist availability in rural, nonmetropolitan statistical areas in 1970 and 1981 to assess changes in distribution over time, using the listings in the Directory of the American Psychological Association (1970 and 1981 editions). The number of rural psychologists increased 97% from 1970 to 1981, increasing significantly in all regions. The number of psychologists overall in rural areas may be an overestimate of actual availability because of the large percentage of rural psychologists living in the relatively few rural counties with schools providing graduate degrees in psychology. Rural distribution lags that in metropolitan areas in every region. The relevance of findings is noted with regard to recent changes in Medicare reimbursement, proposed Minimum Health Care legislation, mental health needs and demographics in rural areas, personnel shortages, and rural psychologists' roles.