Managed mental health care: implications for social work practice and social work education

Examines the implications of new demands brought to bear on social workers, by comparing 6 managed health care plans operating regionally and nationally. Finds the application process to be cumbersome. Lists fee schedules for each of the plans, and discusses ethical concerns regarding the client's right to selfdetermination, confidentiality, primacy of the client's interest, and the client's right to services. Demonstrates variation and ability to obtain treatment, and notes the interrelatedness between the effect on practice patterns and the social work values. (Original abstract - amended)