Psychology and Public Policy in the "Health Care Revolution"

In this article we give a brief overview of the rapid changes taking place in health care delivery in this country, focusing particularly on cost-containment efforts, organizational restructuring of the medical-industrial complex, and this decade's procompetitive market. Psychologists need to be aware of current policy trends and potential future changes in health and to consider alternative roles in emerging health care systems. Further, mental health policy is heavily influenced by the form and context of health policy. We argue that a top-down analysis of resource allocation is necessary for responsible public policy in health and mental health care. We discuss opportunities and challenges for psychology within this framework in service, research, and education.