The Impact of Mental Health Services on Medical Care Utilization: Economic and Organizational Implications

A wealth of studies support the assertion that patients seen by medical doctors for physical complaints can often be helped by psychotherapeutic intervention. Many physical ailments have been linked to emotional problems, and practitioners are beginning to understand that emotional and physical health are highly interrelated. Even very brief mental health intervention can reduce the number of visits for medical care, the studies show. Despite some obvious methodological shortcomings, past studies and literature reviews strongly endorse the development of a closer working relationship between mental health and physical health professionals. The need for extensive additional research with sound methodological design is discussed. The economic and organizational implications of this relationship are also explored from the perspectives of physical and mental health practitioners, patients, group health plans, and third-party payers.