Who’s Who Honors Barry L. Duncan, Psy.D for Expertise in Health Care
Barry L. Duncan, Psy.D. has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected based on current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all considered during the selection process.
Dr. Duncan is a distinguished figure in the field of clinical psychology, renowned for his dedication to client privilege, the therapeutic alliance, and social equity in psychotherapy. As the chief executive officer of Better Outcomes Now in West Palm Beach, Florida, he has been instrumental in advancing therapeutic practices that prioritize the client’s perspective of both the benefit and fit of therapeutic services. His most notable contribution has been the development and scientific validation of the Partners for Change Outcome Management System (PCOMS), a measurement-based care tool that helps therapists collaboratively identify clients who are not benefiting from therapy and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes. Better Outcomes Now is the web application of this federally recognized evidence-based practice. This system has been widely acclaimed for its practicality and demonstrated, real-world effectiveness—up to three times that of traditional therapy—as well as its enhancement of social equity and cultural responsiveness in psychotherapy.
Dr. Duncan’s career is also marked by his roles as an author, practitioner, and researcher. With over 17,000 hours of direct client care, he has over 150 publications, including two professional best sellers, “The Heart and Soul of Change” and “On Becoming a Better Therapist,” as well as three self-help books (“What’s Right With You” the latest). Recently, his article on using PCOMS to address cultural responsiveness was featured in a top-tier psychotherapy journal, further cementing his reputation as a thought leader in the field.
His work has earned him the American Psychological Association’s distinction of Fellow in recognition of outstanding and unusual contribution to the science and profession of psychology. In addition, Dr. Duncan has received several other prestigious awards, including the Wright State University School of Professional Psychology Outstanding Alumnus Award, the Menninger Foundation’s Scientific Writing Award for “The Heart and Soul of Change” and the article, “Exposing the Mythmakers” being named among the Top 10 Underreported Stories of 2000 by Project Censored as well as the Psychotherapy Networker’s All Time Top Ten Award as one of the most influential features in magazine history.
Dr. Duncan’s educational background includes a doctorate in clinical psychology from the Wright State University School of Professional Psychology in 1984. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from Wright State University. Coming from working-class roots and eight years of factory work have profoundly influenced his approach to therapy, instilling in him values of hard work and a profound empathy for the less privileged.
Outside his professional life, Dr. Duncan enjoys hiking, gardening, and spending time with his family. Looking ahead, he plans to scale back on his professional commitments to focus more on leisure activities, travel, and writing projects. He aims to increase the visibility of Better Outcomes Now and is currently working on a memoir.