Increases in Inpatient Psychiatry Beds Operated by Systems, For-Profits, and Chains, 2010-2016

Editorial Material Health Care Sciences & Services

Transforming Mental Health And Addiction Services

Margarita Alegria et al.

Summary: Despite significant advances in behavioral health policy in the past decade, issues related to mental illness and substance abuse continue to persist in the United States. To improve outcomes, steps such as transforming the behavioral health system, decriminalizing mental illness and substance use disorders, and raising awareness of social context and needs are necessary. Supporting workforce structures, accountability, outcome measurement, and increasing financing of behavioral health care are crucial for achieving a major transformation in behavioral health policy.

HEALTH AFFAIRS (2021)

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Article Health Care Sciences & Services

Admission Practices And Cost Of Care For Opioid Use Disorder At Residential Addiction Treatment Programs In The US

Tamara Beetham et al.

Summary: The use of acute, short-term residential care for opioid use disorder has increased rapidly, but concerns exist about high costs and misleading recruitment practices. An audit survey found that some programs offered admission before clinical evaluation, and for-profit programs charged more than nonprofits. Recruitment techniques were frequently used by for-profit programs but not nonprofits.

HEALTH AFFAIRS (2021)

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Article Health Policy & Services

Patient Characteristics Associated With Admission to Low-Safety Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities: Evidence for Racial Inequities

Morgan C. Shields

Summary: This study examined factors associated with admission to low-safety inpatient psychiatric facilities. Racial and ethnic minorities, as well as patients without private insurance, were independently associated with admission to these facilities. The study highlighted stark racial and ethnic inequities in admission to low-safety inpatient psychiatric facilities, calling for further investigation into community-based referrals and other factors affecting admissions and outcomes.

PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES (2021)

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Article Emergency Medicine