Managed Care and Counseling Centers

Despite nationwide changes in mental health practice, it has been unclear whether managed care has had an impact specifically on college and university counseling centers and on the training of psychologists and other mental health providers. In the present study, counseling center directors across the nation were surveyed to assess the impact of managed care, as well as to highlight the types of skills and qualities now valued in new professionals. Results indicated that over half of the centers had been impacted by managed care, most often in relation to cost-effectiveness, accountability, and training. The results also indicated that center directors are looking for new professionals who are seen as flexible, motivated, and competent team players with skills in consultation, brief therapy, and crisis intervention.