Substance abuse and mental health care. Managed care, access, and clinical outcomes

1. Mental health and substance abuse problems are rapidly growing components of health care premiums and associated costs. 2. Managed care has become as integral factor in the delivery of these services. This trend has elicited concerns about the negative impact of managed care on service access and clinical outcomes. 3. Some managed care designs may actually discourage participation in treatment programs as well as reduce options available to clients. The treatment arena is also shifting from inpatient to outpatient care for most cases. 4. Studies demonstrate the financial efficacy of managed care. However, insufficient data exist about effects on clinical outcomes. 5. The addition of an employee assistance program to the managed care process improves access and may positively affect clinical and financial outcomes.