Introduction. The majority of adolescents presenting for substance abuse treatment have multiple problems, most commonly academic difficulties, emotional problems, family conflict, and legal problems. Research has shown that treatment success is increased when multiple issues are addressed in the treatment plan. Concerns have been raised that access to services that improve psychosocial functioning (i.e. vocational, daycare, transportation, recreation) may not be as available for adolescents who receive treatment through a managed care organization. Thus, it is important to track psychosocial outcomes in any comparisons of managed care and fee-for-service.
Objectives. This paper examines six-month psychosocial outcomes for publicly funded adolescents who receive alcohol or substance abuse treatment while enrolled in Medicaid managed care or traditional fee for service in 6 participating research sites.
Methods. Data come from interviews conducted with adolescents entering publicly funded substance abuse treatment between 1997 and 1999. Outcomes measured include criminal justice status, mental health symptoms, risky behaviors, family and peer relationships, quality of life, and physical health.
Results. Preliminary evidence from Massachusetts and from the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington State) indicated that there were no significant differences in psychosocial outcomes between groups of adolescents in managed care and those in fee-for-service. Adolescents in both study sites showed less criminal behavior, and improved psychological and social functioning at the 6-month follow-up. Further analyses will include all six study sites.
Conclusions. Preliminary evidence from two of the six sites suggests that there were no direct effects of managed care on psychosocial outcomes.
Learning Objectives: 1. Understand changes that are taking place in adolescent substance abuse treatment programs as a result of the shift to managed care in the Medicaid population. 2. Understand the impact of managed care on psychosocial outcomes between adolescents served in a managed care versus fee for service environment 3. Identify the advantages and difficulties associated with conducting prospective research on psychosocial outcomes of substance abuse treatment.
Keywords: Adolescents, Managed Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.