ABSTRACT
As burgeoning managed mental health care’s (MMHC) systems dominate the mental health field, the delivery of treatment services is increasingly shifting from inpatient settings to outpatient environments. Managed care systems, therefore, need qualified assessors in many communities. Assessors must conduct assessments with a solution-focused, time-sensitive approach consistent with overall MMHC goals. Creative clinicians who develop outpatient-based services desired by the MMHC market will see referrals increase in volume and their businesses prosper. MMHC firms increasingly serve widespread employee populations in addition to more geographically defined Health Maintenance Organization groups. MMHC firms aggressively manage patients considered to be at risk for hospitalization. Traditionally, patients have been hospitalized at relatively expensive inpatient facilities for detoxification services. Many group practices have affiliated with MMHC firms to provide Intensive Outpatient Programs. Medical consultation by a psychiatrist is also utilized. The patient’s treatment is preauthorized by a utilization manager from the MMHC firm at stages throughout the program.
