Managed Health Care and School-Based Services

Abstract

Mental health care delivery has undergone massive changes. In this regard managed care has profoundly altered system delivery models in mental health. Further, organizational downsizing and mergers are occuring throughout health care, reshaping professional practice opportunities both inside and outside public schools. Many school-based mental health professionals may lack information on the breadth of these changes. This article examines the confluence between managed care and school-based services, with particular attention to school psychology and related special services and provides a reorientation framework.

Key Words:

• Mental health care
• organizational downsizing
• school-based health clinics
• managed care
• independent contracting
• licensing and certification