The occupational transformation of the mental health system

Health Aff (Millwood). 2003 Sep-Oct;22(5):177-88. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.22.5.177.

Abstract

The mental health workforce has changed dramatically since the mid-1970s. Nonphysician providers, particularly psychologists and clinical social workers, have become a much larger share of the workforce. While the supply of psychiatrists has been relatively stable, there has been a dramatic increase in the supply of psychologists and social workers. Changes in clinical practice, combined with the continued expansion of managed care into mental health, will largely determine the future composition and supply of the mental health workforce.

MeSH terms

  • Forecasting
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Health Workforce / trends*
  • Humans
  • Income / trends
  • Managed Care Programs / trends
  • Mental Health Services* / economics
  • Mental Health Services* / trends
  • Professional Practice / trends
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology, Clinical
  • Social Work, Psychiatric
  • United States