Psychology in the Current Mental Health Marketplace

The market forces that have shaped the practice of psychology in recent years have occurred within the context of broader changes in the U.S. health care system over several decades. This article reviews important trends in the mental health marketplace and considers the opportunities that these trends may present for professional psychology. There now appears to be more opportunity to balance cost and quality considerations within an increasingly competitive and regulated managed care market with increasingly sophisticated purchasers. Several emerging payment models may provide additional opportunities for psychologists with the requisite knowledge and business strategy to assume the risk involved.