Public attitudes about psychologists and mental health care: Research to guide the American Psychological Association public education campaign

Focus groups and a random telephone survey were conducted to examine the public's attitudes toward mental health providers. The research showed that the public has very little understanding of the qualifications and credentials of psychologists and cannot tell one mental health provider from another. Respondents believed that their emotional health affects their physical health but were typically not willing to pay more for mental health insurance coverage. An information gap was also evident: A majority of respondents agreed that psychological health is important, but almost half said they wish they had more information about how and when to access psychological services.