Washington, D.C. (August 9, 2006) - More than 65 percent of adults and 80 percent of children in the United States who need behavioral health care services do not receive the services they require, according to a recent report by the U.S. Surgeon General. The National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology (National Register) has moved to address that need with the launch of a new website, findapsychologist.org. The website offers the most up-to-date online directory of licensed psychologists who have achieved the most rigorous educational credentials in their profession. It lists psychologists practicing in the U.S., Canada, and their territories. The website also offers consumers a selection of articles and resources to better understand their behavioral health care needs.

According to National Register Executive Officer Judy Hall, Ph.D., this website can be a lifesaver for diverse consumers of all ages. "Challenges don't discriminate. People of all ages, regardless of color or income, are struggling with problems at work, at home, and at school. Family members see loved ones suffering from depression, anxiety, grief, eating disorders, relationship issues, substance abuse, peer pressure, and all sorts of problems. They want to help, but they don't know how to find a properly qualified health care professional who will meet their loved ones' needs and circumstances."

Dr. Hall says findapsychologist.org can help. "findapsychologist.org should be the first stop for a consumer or a referring health professional to identify and contact a qualified, credentialed psychologist. This free online service can be accessed whenever it's needed in total privacy. It provides easy-to-understand information that will help the consumer make an informed choice based on his or her unique situation. Anyone who uses findapsychologist.org can be assured that these health care professionals possess the credentials they claim to have thanks to the National Register's rigorous, ongoing screening."

The National Register screens the psychologists on its website to make sure that in addition to a license to practice, each psychologist has achieved an acceptable doctoral degree in psychology, completed a qualified internship and postdoctoral training, and adheres to professional ethics and state codes of conduct. With information from licensing boards, the National Register updates the records of these 12,000 credentialed psychologists monthly and any changes to the database are reflected on findapsychologist.org immediately.

National Register data accelerates consumer access to psychological services across the spectrum of healthcare. Major hospitals, national health care organizations, and large insurers have used National Register credentialing information to expedite their own screening for the past 30 years. Many licensing boards now use National Register credentialing data to fast track licensing applications. By reducing expensive and time-consuming barriers for psychologists, consumers benefit. With findapsychologist.org, the information these organizations and licensing boards need is at their fingertips.

The National Register is an independent, non-profit organization that was created in 1974 with the help of the American Psychological Association and the American Board of Professional Psychology. Today, the National Register is the leading source of information on nationally credentialed psychologists in health care. For more information about the National Register, visit www.nationalregister.org.

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