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Does managed care permit appropriate use of psychotherapy?
1Department of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.)
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Managed care limits psychiatric treatments, impacting care quality. Psychotherapy is essential and should be universally accessible, as research shows restrictions lead to poor mental health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Health Services Research
- Health Economics
Background:
- Managed care has historically restricted psychiatric treatments, including psychotherapy.
- Concerns exist regarding patient access to and the quality of mental health care under managed care.
- The development of managed care has raised questions about the integration of psychotherapy within broader healthcare systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical development of managed care and its impact on psychiatric treatment.
- To examine research on the efficacy and necessity of psychotherapy in psychiatric care.
- To address misconceptions regarding psychotherapy utilization and cost.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of managed care development.
- Analysis of research studies on psychotherapy's role in psychiatric treatment.
- Examination of economic and outcome data related to psychotherapy access.
Main Results:
- Psychotherapy is a fundamental component of psychiatric treatment, essential for inclusion in all health plans.
- False beliefs about psychotherapy's cost and utilization (e.g., outdated techniques, cost escalation) are prevalent.
- Inappropriate limitations on psychotherapy in prepaid settings correlate with adverse mental health outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Psychotherapy must be integrated into all health plans and organized care systems.
- Cost-based restrictions on established psychiatric treatments are unacceptable without rigorous outcome data.
- Ensuring access to psychotherapy is crucial for positive mental health outcomes and quality of care.