Managed care eliminates the multiple points of entry into the mental health system. A managed care physician with little or no training in psychiatry is assigned the responsibility of determining the need for mental health services and referring the child or adult for such service. There is no nation-wide data to suggest managed care is less costly than the current system. Confidentiality is seriously undermined as individuals seeking permission for treatment are forced to discuss their problems on the phone with customer satisfaction representatives. The short term two to twelve session model, the preferred approach for cost containment, does not work for everyone.
Statistics show an underutilization of mental health services by members of certain populations.
Managed care could result in these groups receiving less care in the future. Acknowledge the importance of the clinician's role and the therapeutic relationship to wellness and improved mental health. In keeping with the principles set forth in the previous section, the Chapter strongly recommends and advocates for the single payer approach for health as well as mental health care. The single payer approach embodies some essential principles, including universal access, portability, and affordability. That children and adults with these diagnoses be exempt from screens or caps for mental health services.