HMOs and the Future of Student Mental Health Services |
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Authors: | Leighton C Whitaker PhD |
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Institution: | 1. Mental Health Division of University Health Services , USA;2. University of Massachusetts , Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA |
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Abstract: | Abstract The health maintenance organization (HMO) is likely to have a prominent position under national health insurance, which will have a strong systematizing effect on the nation's health services. Over the past two years the University of Massachusetts mental health services have provided benefits at both the university and a private medical group practice. Experience has shown that a university which already provides broad services to a large student population can extend itself to the university community including its faculty and staff. Several advantages of this development, as well as some significant problems, are discussed. As the HMO grew and quality services were established, it became feasible for the private medical group to develop its own mental health component. Based on this and other experiences in mental health delivery systems, certain conclusions are drawn about the ways universities can develop HMOs and some recommendations are made for national mental health planning. |
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Keywords: | alcohol chapter effects demographics fraternities social norms |
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