This first report on the landmark UAW psychiatric benefit program, stressing outpatient care, reveals that the program appears to be economically viable. During the first year of the outpatient benefit there was a utilization rate by Michigan UA W members of 6.4 per 1,000 eligible persons; the average number of visits was 8.5, and paid claim averaged $136. However, an expected decrease in in-hospital utilization did not occur.Abstract Teaser