The mental health care revolution. Will psychology survive?

Managed mental health care, which encompasses a wide variety of approaches, is a response to precipitous increases in health care expenditures, particularly as they relate to mental health care. The shift from what seemed certain to become a national health insurance program only 15 years ago to the profit-driven corporate health care industry of today is truly revolutionary. These profound changes are beginning to have a major impact on the independent practices of psychologists. In this article, psychologist practitioners are exhorted to recognize this new development in the marketplace. Data are cited that show the rapid shift from free choice care to various forms of managed care, and practitioners are urged to participate in shaping the changes that are now in process in order to develop a humane and effective system of mental health care.