These diagnostic services detect functional impairment and assess the prognosis for improvement or deterioration in functioning. Psychologists apply these results and develop rehabilitative services and treatment. Psychologists provide services in diverse health care settings and emphasize the least restrictive, most cost-efficient treatment alternatives. For many patients, outpatient mental health care, which psychologists typically provide, is equally or more effective than inpatient treatment. For these patients, outpatient treatment is more cost-efficient, less restrictive, and provides greater accessibility, especially for patients in rural areas.
Primary care is an increasingly important component of the health care delivery system.
Psychologists in primary care settings serve a crucial function in assessment, treatment planning, and provision of psychological services for patients with a wide variety of health complaints. Psychologists work in conjunction with other health care professionals on multidisciplinary treatment teams in settings such as nursing homes and comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities. The provision of psychological services can result in health care cost savings. Americans need access to appropriate, high quality psychological treatment. 16 of the 20 most common diagnoses by primary care physicians, and 13 of the 15 leading causes of death in the U.S. have substantial behavioral components for which prevention, direct intervention, or rehabilitation services by psychologists can impact the development and the progression of the illness.