Psychologists address a broad range of health concerns. They engage in preventive (e.g., HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases) as well as rehabilitative activities (e.g., substance abuse programs). Psychologists deliver services in private, as well as community settings (e.g., health centers and VA hospitals). Psychologists function independently and in multi-disciplinary teams and settings. Indeed, psychologists are an integral part of a network of health care providers that are available to respond to the most pressing health and community problems facing America today. For example, psychologists have developed behavioral interventions (such as violence prevention, smoking cessation, stress management, dietary and medical compliance programs) which have resulted in reduced, even reversed, coronary heart disease.

Psychologists function in all facilities that offer health services to the public. Psychologists provide services for health conditions with a significant behavioral component in community agencies, HMOs, school systems, mental health centers, counseling centers, and independent individual and group practices. They provide inpatient services in government settings such as federal, state, county, and city hospitals, as well as in private mental hospitals. Psychologists are on the staff of psychiatric units in general hospitals. They also provide liaison services to medical units in general hospitals, since many physical conditions have a significant behavioral component, are stress related or will benefit from psychological intervention. Psychologists work in residential treatment centers and in rehabilitation centers, as well as in many corporate settings that provide mental health or drug and alcohol services to employees. Consumers of psychological services include individuals, families, public and private organizations, employers, institutions, and third-party payers.

- Dr. Diane M. Walker