THE MANAGED CARE MOVEMENT AND THE FUTURE OF PSYCHOTHERAPY

The managed health care movement will have profound effects upon the development of the future practice of psychotherapy. The rise of alternative forms of health care delivery at this time is a reflection of the current economic, social, and political concerns of the American culture. Pressure is coming to bear upon professionals to deliver services which effectively address the contemporary mental health needs of the population. Traditional models of therapy and therapy education must yield to new, more societally relevant generations. The managed health care environment setting is optimal for the cultivation of models that are theoretically and philosophically compatible with an equitable distribution of mental health care to all. Features characteristic to "HMO therapy" are discussed along with its advantages and problems.