Enhancing Access to Mental Health Services: A Centralized Database of Licensed Providers in Delaware

• Wendy Sanchez-Rodriguez, Psychology, University of Delaware

• Franssy Zablah, Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware

Introduction: People engaged in mental health services are often self-referred or referred by a provider. Although referral information is typically available online, it is often presented in multiple locations with differing formats, making it difficult to find services for a given condition. This study aimed to develop a centralized user-friendly database of licensed providers in the State of Delaware using publicly listed sources. 

Method: The provider database was developed in stages. First, we identified a list of providers with online listings (e.g., Psychology Today), and then cross-referenced it with lists of licensed providers from the Delaware Psychological Association’s directory. A database of listings including the following information: services offered (e.g., evidence-based practices, non-specific practices, or no specific service listed), conditions served (e.g., DSM-5 diagnosis, subclinical concerns like anger, or no conditions listed), and other details such as languages served, mode of treatment (e.g., telehealth), ages served, and insurances accepted. This process identified 741 non-duplicated entries from 71 licensed providers across Delaware.

Results: We used frequency statistics and chi-square goodness of fit tests to analyze entries extracted from public listings regarding the number and distribution of services offered and conditions served. Results showed the top three service-condition combinations were: (1) neither service nor conditions described (31%, k = 225), (2) service not described but treating DSM-5 diagnoses (24%, k = 179), and (3) evidence-based practice described and treating DSM-5 diagnoses (11%, k = 85). A heatmap of Delaware indicated provider concentrations in population centers (Wilmington, Dover) and service gaps in rural areas (Smyrna, Seaford).

Discussion: Public listings of licensed providers are commonly used by the public and healthcare for mental health referrals, yet 55% of these listings lack sufficient information to make informed decisions. Only 11% of listings include information on both the type of services offered and the conditions treated. By maintaining a user-friendly repository of licensed providers, we can help the public find services that meet their needs, increase referral rates for providers, and support policymakers by addressing service gaps.