Issues of Managed Care in Mental Health Counseling



Abstract

People prefer managed care MHC (Mental Health Counseling) service, in order to make an affordable bargain for the expenditure. However, there are many ethical & legal issues, associated to it. The issues are related to competency, treatment plan, confidentiality & anonymity. Also, there are certain legal constraints to comprehensive mental health counseling. In this research paper, the discussion presents an insightful account on the managed care issues in MHC. Issues of Managed Care in Mental Health Counseling

Introduction

The human civilization has brought revolution in the field of medical & sciences. Since the beginning, the purpose of healthcare is to facilitate the society with the best of medical services. Besides physical health, the healthcare has significant considerations for the mental health. In this regard, healthcare professionals have developed mental health counseling services. The purpose of these services is to ensure mental fitness through the psychological treatments. In the United States, the concept of managed care has prevailed across the breadth of the nation. In psychology, counseling has a significant value. Counseling constitutes a primary portion of the managed care structures. In mental healthcare, counseling has a huge impact on the recovery of the patients. It is an efficient way of developing skills, enhancing the abilities and transforming the individuals' perception of well-being.

The purpose of healthcare is to “serve” humanity, in every possible way. However, psychology works with its own principles. Its principles relate to the mental well-being of individuals. The formula of managed care is popular in the United States (Philip & Daniel, 2013). It does not only include the old and feeble; rather, it manages the young of the society, as well. Mental health counseling goes side by side with the managed care structures. There are a number of Managed Care Organizations which are facilitating mental health counseling. A number of issues may develop with the managed care structures. This research paper demonstrates the philosophy of managed care in mental health counseling. Further, the paper presents an insightful research over the issues of the managed care. For the purpose of research, the write up reviews the available literature. Most of the utilized resources are scholarly & peer-reviewed. Towards the end, the paper records conclusion of the analysis.

Discussion

The Concept of Managed Care

Managed care can contain a number of structures, procedures, and associated strategies. They are necessary for the monitoring & review of care procedures. Before starting with its description, it is essential to explore the origin of the health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Peter (2009) recorded the early years of managed care. In 1910, the Western Clinic in Tacoma (Washington) offered a wide range of services against low premium charges (Peter, 2009). In 1929, a rural cooperative health plan was developed for the rural farmers. Since then, many managed care plans have been introduced for the purpose of providing healthcare. Managed care is a complex and diversified concept. It involves group models, Independent Practice Associations & other similar prepaid networks (Mechanic, ...