Spending on mental health care has grown over the years, but also shifted from inpatient care to a greater reliance and use on prescription medications.
According to the study published in the August issue of Psychiatric Services, mental health treatment expenditures grew from $33 billion in 1986 to $100 billion in 2003. In real 2003 dollars, spending per capita on mental health treatment rose from $205 to $345. The average annual nominal total mental health growth rate was 6.7%, compared to 8.0% for general healthcare expenditures.
Prescription drugs accounted for about one-third of the increase in mental health expenditures. From 1996 to 2000, pharmaceutical expenditures rose 20% each year; they have leveled off to 10% from 2001 to 2003.
Medicaid has become the fastest-growing and is now the largest payer of mental health services, increasing at an annual rate of approximately 9.9%.
Source: Mental Health Treatment Expenditure Trends, 1986 2003
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One Comment to
“Mental Health Treatment Expenditures Rise”
This is interesting. In the UK the government is trying to move the emphasis to psychological therapies although there is still an issue with resources. Far more people now receive treatment in the community although I have not seen an expenditure breakdown which would show how much we are now spending on drugs.
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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 15 Aug 2007
