Cost-Outcome Analysis and Service Planning in a CMHC
Abstract
The outcome of outpatient treatment of 497 children and 396 adults at a large community mental health and mental retardation center was associated with cost of services and with clients' number of sessions, length of stay, and density of treatment. The cost of one hour of outpatient services averaged $53.15 for adults and $52.32 for children. Treatment outcome was not directly related to cost of treatment, but clients who regressed used more resources than did clients whose conditions remained the same. Adults who improved were in therapy for a shorter period than were adults who became worse, but they were treated more times per month. The cost-out-come analysis methodology described here can be useful in forecasting the effects of budget reductions on case mix and treatment outcome, in developing effective service models for various funding levels, and in identifying optimal caseloads.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).
