April 15, 2005

Free to Choose: Transforming Behavioral Health Care to Self-Direction

Self-directed health care is emerging as a critical element in the transformation of America's health care system. Two of the factors that are driving this trend are the recent increases in the cost of health insurance and the inconsistent quality of health care. Both private and public health care delivery systems are responding by developing new consumer-directed products. The President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health has called for the development of consumer-driven models of care and system changes to support community-based services in behavioral health care. All components of the health care system urgently need to become more consumer-centered. This report, by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Center for Mental Health Services, provides an overview of the many issues raised at the Summit and during the meeting. The issues represent the thoughts and perspectives of the participants and provide a basis for those working to develop consumer direction initiatives at any level.