Insuring intensive psychotherapy.

Many private insurance programs that currently cover mental disorders eliminate intensive psychotherapies, including psychoanalysis, from the range of treatment options by placing restrictions on the number of visits covered. The authors examine the economics of intensive psychotherapy coverage and present data indicating that relatively few people in an insurance program with comprehensive mental health benefits use high cost forms of psychotherapy. They conclude that insurance coverage of intensive psychotherapy is feasible but suggest that further study of the goals of intensive treatment, potential demand for it, and the supply of qualified practitioners is needed.