World of Psychology

Mental Health Treatment Expenditures Rise

By John M. Grohol, PsyD
Founder & Editor-in-Chief

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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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 15 Aug 2007
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.

APA Reference
Grohol, J. (2007). Mental Health Treatment Expenditures Rise. Psych Central. Retrieved on February 14, 2012, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2007/08/15/mental-health-treatment-expenditures-rise/

 

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