Trends in U.S. Mental Health Spending, 1986–2003

From the August 2007 issue of Psychiatric Services:

According to data in this month's lead article, total spending on mental health treatment in the United States grew from $33 billion in 1986 to $100 billion in 2003. Per capita spending increased from $205 to $345. However, as a percentage of total health care, spending on mental health treatment fell from 8% in 1986 to 6% in 2003. The research team, which was led by Tami L. Mark, Ph.D., found a large shift away from spending on inpatient mental health care—41% of total mental health expenditures in 1986 and 24% in 2003—to spending on psychoactive prescription drugs—7% in 1986 and 23% in 2003. Medicaid has assumed a more prominent payer role, accounting for 26% of mental health expenditures in 2003, up from 16% in 1986. One conclusion from these findings is that more people are receiving treatment for mental illness—an increase partly driven by the growing use of pharmacotherapy. In addition, the authors call for greater monitoring of the quality of care to ensure that Americans are getting an adequate return on their investment.

To read the abstract for the lead article referred to above, click here.