Problems and limitations in using psychological assessment in the contemporary health care delivery system

Psychologists report limitations on psychological assessment services and p roblems gaining authorizations and reimbursement for these services from th ird-party payers. Documentation and categorization of these problems and li mitations is based on responses from well over 500 psychologists responding to a broad solicitation for feedback. This article explores the barriers t o access for assessment services, including resistance to psychological ass essment, difficulties in the preauthorization process, problems with reimbu rsement, the clinical decision-making process, and larger systems issues. T he authors make recommendations for redress of these problems through work with the profession, other mental health professionals, managed care, and p atients-consumers and through political action.