Managed Care Is Evil and Should Be Avoided Like the Plague; Experienced and Competent Clinicians Don’t Participate in Managed Care

It is easy to believe that managed care is evil and that it should be avoided at all possible costs. Yet, as this chapter explains, not all managed care companies are equivalent. How to determine which managed care companies are worth working with is explained. Factors to consider include contractual issues, fees, documentation requirements, ethical and legal issues, and utilization-review processes. Further, in some communities, many residents may only be able to afford mental health treatment by utilizing their managed care insurance benefits. Consistent with the values of the mental health professions, selective participation with some managed care companies may help achieve the greatest good for those one serves. This chapter explains how with careful forethought, one may ethically participate in managed care, meet clients’ best interests, and be fairly compensated for the clinical services provided.