Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Sheidow, A. J. Articles by Ward, D. M. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Sheidow, A. J. Articles by Ward, D. M. Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Costs, Cost Analysis Health Insurance Crisis and Emergency Treatment Hospitals, Hospital Treatment

Treatment Costs for Youths Receiving Multisystemic Therapy or Hospitalization After a Psychiatric Crisis

OBJECTIVE: The authors conducted a cost analysis for multisystemic therapy, an evidence-based treatment that is used as an intensive community-based alternative to the hospitalization of youths presenting with psychiatric emergencies. METHODS: Data from a randomized clinical trial that compared multisystemic therapy with usual inpatient services followed by community aftercare were used to compare Medicaid costs and clinical outcomes during a four-month period postreferral and a 12-month follow-up period. Data were from 115 families receiving Medicaid (out of 156 families in the clinical trial). RESULTS: During the four months postreferral, multisystemic therapy was associated with an average net savings per youth treated of $1,617 compared with usual services. Costs during the 12-month follow-up period were similar between treatments. Multisystemic therapy demonstrated better short-term cost-effectiveness for each of the clinical outcomes (externalizing behavior, internalizing behavior, and global severity of symptoms) than did usual inpatient care and community aftercare. The two treatments demonstrated equivalent long-term cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Among youths presenting with psychiatric emergencies, multisystemic therapy was associated with better outcomes at a lower cost during the initial postreferral period and with equivalent costs and outcomes during the 12-month follow-up period.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. L. Teich and H. T. Ireys A National Survey of State Licensing, Regulating, and Monitoring of Residential Facilities for Children With Mental Illness Psychiatr Serv, July 1, 2007; 58(7): 991 - 998. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				E. J. Costello, W. Copeland, A. Cowell, and G. Keeler Service Costs of Caring for Adolescents With Mental Illness in a Rural Community, 1993-2000 Am J Psychiatry, January 1, 2007; 164(1): 36 - 42. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2004 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us