ETHICS AND CHANGING MENTAL-HEALTH-CARE - CONCERNS AND RECOMMENDATIONSFOR PRACTICE

Recent developments in health care delivery in the United States have left many professionals baffled by the continuing changes in practice sparked by the relatively new managed care environment. Psychologists who practice in medical settings are struggling to balance the seeming ly competing needs to deliver quality care to clients and patients, wh ile meeting the demands of third-party payers and trying to remain tru e to their ethical responsibilities. Critical elements of managed care , which many suggest compromise the ethical provision of quality care, include utilization review, financial incentives, and threats to conf identiality. Recommendations are proposed so that mental health profes sionals may be proactive in protecting their ethical responsibilities in this changing environment.