Psychosocial and physiological linkages in areas such as psychoneuroimmunology, cardiovascular disorders and other chronic diseases are being defined. Ground breaking work is being conducted in psychopharmacology, as the neurological bases of behavior are being mapped. This is a period of rapid change in health care delivery. Division 38, as part of the American Psychological Association , is working to establish liaisons between legislators, researchers and psychologist practitioners to ensure access to health psychologists as part of quality health care. Active research is being conducted to better understand the impact of health policy and health service delivery reforms on patient health and well being.
Psychologists are in increasing demand in health and medical settings.
The single largest area of placement of psychologists in recent years has been in medical centers. Psychologists have become vital members of multidisciplinary clinical and research teams in rehabilitation, cardiology, pediatrics, oncology, anesthesiology, family practice, dentistry, and other medical fields.