We Need More Fully Licensed African American Psychologists in Indiana
Information from the 2024 Psychologist Workforce DATA REPORT
Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy & Indiana University
This report was developed in collaboration with an expert advisory group and approved by the Governor’s Health Workforce Council. The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency administered the survey questions in conjunction with the 2024 psychologist license renewal process. The survey response rate, it appears, was around 90 percent.
There are 1,501 Licensed Psychologists in Indiana, 67 % female and 33% male. Regarding diversity of psychologist practitioners the study identifies 49 African American women and only 15 African American men in Indiana.
Of the licensed psychologists, 87 to 90% are white. African Americans given the numbers above represent only 4.2 percent. Taken separately, African American men represent about one (1) percent of all licensed Psychologists.
With regard to the highest credential or license/certification that psychologist can earn, the HSPP designation, “roughly” 88.3% had achieved that level.
U.S. Census Population estimates, July 1, 2025 for Indiana, roughly 7 million.
81.2 percent White
10.6 percent Black
9.6 percent Hispanic or Latino
3.2 percent Asian
0.1 percent, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
We don’t have access to demographics for each city in the state. We do have data for Indianapolis:
51.3 percent White
27.9 Percent African American
13.8 Percent Hispanic or Latino
4.2 Percent Asian
Black Psychologist data for the state suggest that theoretically if all African American Psychologist practiced in this one city , they are still dramatically underrepresented.
Anyonecanachieve’s goal is to make great professions more salient and attractive to black and other minority college students.
We believe that knowledge is malleable and that preparation can began as soon as the goal is set. No one should be discouraged from seeking high and worthy occupational goals.
Licensed Psychologist Practitioner, one of our 330 recommended occupations, is a worthy goal.
We agree with the 2022 Bowen study introduction:
“As behavioral health providers, psychologists play a crucial role in helping individuals modify behaviors, to prevent and recover from health issues, and generally improve their lives.”
Citation:
2024 Behavioral Health and Human Services Data Report (2025). Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy. Indiana University School of Medicine.