The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
Site maintenance Monday, July 8th, 2024. Please note that access to some content and account information will be unavailable on this date.
ArticleNo Access

Cost Analysis in a CMHC: Determining the Cost of Staff Time

Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.30.6.411

The program evaluation and research unit of a community mental health center developed and field-tested a survey form to measure how employees spend their time. The form is divided into direct patient care activities, which include interviewing and testing, conducting therapy, and prescribing medications, and administrative or support activities, which include filling out charts, attending meetings, and training staff. All staff record daily, for one week, the hours and minutes they spend in each activity. Using that data as a base, the evaluation unit can determine the percentage of time staff spend in each activity and the cost of each activity based on staff members' paychecks.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.