The authors describe the long-term psychotherapy program developed by
the Harvard Community Health Plan, focusing on its planning,
implementation, and monitoring. The inclusion of coverage for chronic
conditions in an HMO practice led to the development of a range of extended
treatment services, exploratory as well as supportive, and to the
enhancement of short-term methods. The control of utilization and cost is
effected through the willingness of the provider group to adapt treatment
methods to patient needs, rather than through the benefit structure. With
the broad range of treatment methods available in this plan, only 1%-2% of
patients require long-term continuous psychotherapy.
Abstract Teaser