Frequently Asked Questions
Why is being listed on the world wide web important to Mental Health Professionals?
The Internet has transformed the way in which people access healthcare information and providers – the Web offers huge amounts of health related information from thousands of worldwide sources.
Some current statistics highlight this extreme growth and the extent of the opportunity for healthcare practitioners.
- Up to 65 percent of consumers report at least one online search for healthcare information
- up to 45 percent of all searches are healthcare related, and one-half are for mental health resources (MD Computing, November/December 1999)
- Over 100 million US citizens use the Internet to research health information, representing 86 percent of the overall online population (Harris 2000 poll reported in MD Net Guide, Vol. 5, No 6, December 2003)
- 75 percent of adults are computer users; 62 percent of adults have Internet access (Harris Interactive 2002, in representative US major cities)
- Nearly 75 percent of the US population, or 204.3 million people have access to the Internet from home, according to a recent study by Nielsen/Net ratings (Wall Street Journal, B5 3/18/04)
According to the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health’s final report, Achieving the Promise: Transforming Mental Health Care in America, the strongest need in healthcare today is improved access to healthcare information. Major recommendations included; using technology to improve access to care that is appropriate, culturally competent, located in rural or geographically remote areas, and coordination between the private and public sectors. (PSYCHIATRIC NEWS - August 15, 2003, Page 27.)
WHAT CAN PSYCHSITES DO FOR ME?
PsychSites.com gives you the opportunity to leverage the power of the Internet to promote your practice and educate the community about your role and services. PsychSites helps individuals find your practice. You can reach the maximum number of individuals; describe yourself, your subspecialties and your organization; or post a topical article. You and your practice will be placed or ranked on major search engines, listed in Internet Guides and publicized through other appropriate media. Your information can be updated and immediately available. Your memorable website address can be searched alphabetically, by subspecialties, locations, languages, or any combination requested!
WHY ARE YOUR PRICES SO REASONABLE?
A typical business start-up site can cost $1000 or more, and a listing in a national "find a therapist" directory ranges from $240 to $720 per year and may contain distracting or inappropriate commercial advertising. PsychSites’ charges range from completely free for a courtesy listing with optional linking buttons, to $100 for a totally customized web page!
Most importantly -- the goal of PsychSites and TherapistSites is to improve access to Mental Health Providers. This is not a high profit commercial business venture. Dr. Alex Green, the sponsor of these websites, has been a clinician since 1975 and has had a long term interest in technology and way it can improve access to healthcare. He views PsychSites as his contribution to the mental health community. PsychSites keeps its fees low by employing state-of-the- art creation and editing tools and high speed access. There are no printing or distribution expenses, and your use of the online application form for enrollment and revision minimizes our hosting costs. Technical services are available individually and can be customized to accommodate more complex or time-consuming needs.
HOW DOES PSYCHSITES COMPARE TO FREE SITES VIA AN INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER OR TO JOINING A HEALTHCARE WEBSITE OR NATIONAL REGISTRY LISTING?
Free sites often disallow or discourage professional or business use, usually have space or content limitations, and may contain commercial, distracting or inappropriate advertising. Your page may be buried under many layers making it difficult for potential patients to find. You may not be able to transfer your information if you develop an independent site later. Some national listings do not provide the subspecialty search capability needed by the consumer. At PsychSites, our vision is to provide separate directories for cities or regions thus keeping you connected to your local community of respected professionals.
Can I participate if I already have a Web site?
Absolutely! Any of the web page options at PsychSites.com including courtesy (free) can link directly to your established site. You will benefit by appearing with your colleagues, the major search engine registrations, the Internet Guide listings, and promotion in your community. By including your list of subspecialties you can help patients/clients find you more easily.
Tell me a little about yourselves and your backgrounds
Alexander C. Green M.D., DLFAPA
Dr. Green, clinical professor at the UCSD School of Medicine, is sub-specialty board certified in forensic psychiatry. He is the President Elect of the San Diego Psychiatric Society and the Chair of the Information Management Committee. He is on the steering committee of the American Association of Technology and Psychiatry, and was co-chair at Scripps-Mercy Hospital for many years. Dr. Green has taught office automation and has presented at behavioral informatics conferences. He has a lifelong interest in electronics, computers and telecommunications, and has been in private practice since 1975. In 2002 he became a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. His personal mission is to use technology to improve access to Mental Health Providers.
Carolyn Miller
Ms. Miller, has an technology background specializing in database applications. She spent over 13 years in various industries such as aerospace, desktop publishing, and finance. Her recent experience includes website and blog design and maintenance. Ms. Miller updated PsychSites.com in 2009.
I have no technical knowledge or interest, and no internet access. Can I still participate?
No technical knowledge or access is required on your part. Your individual web page will be fully visible to anyone with a connection to the Internet. Access is available through most home or office computers and also at libraries and schools.
WHY SHOULD THE MENTAL HEALTH DISCIPLINES JOINTLY PARTICIPATE, GIVEN OUR HISTORY, SCOPE OF PRACTICE DISAGREEMENTS, MARKET FORCES AND MANAGED CARE??
Consumers seeking treatment, along with primary care physicians and other professionals looking for referrals for their patients/clients welcome the availability of qualified providers in one place on the web. PsychSites is organized by profession and subspecialty. This interdisciplinary approach helps create optimum exposure to those seeking a specific type of evaluation or treatment. The focus of PsychSites is on doctoral level providers.
What's the difference between the courtesy or personal page versus a custom page?
All pages place your profile on an individual web page on a shared web site. You may begin with a courtesy page and upgrade later to a personal page with biographical text and an optional photo. A completely custom page offers additional consultation and design time, with more possibilities for layout, graphics, practice information, qualifications, directions to your office, and your own domain name/Web address.
How do I enroll?
You may enroll immediately. Please complete the online application.
How do I send a photo?
Photos must be in digital format, which can be created easily and inexpensively from regular prints. Contact a professional photo shop for specifics or you may ask for conversion to disk when developing standard films.
How do I contact you?
For further information or assistance please contact the website administrator or Dr. Green at:
Phone: (877) 793-2204
Fax: (858) 793-2205
Admin email
Dr. Green email