Psychologists' reactions to Medicaid managed care: Opinion and practice change after 1 year.

How do .psychologists adapt over time to a new managed care program? Reactions of lowan psychologists to a managed mental health care program for Medicaid recipients were examined. The program was generally perceived negatively, although perceptions improved over time. Psychologists in private practice decreased the proportion of Medicaid patients they treated. Psychologists who continued to treat Medicaid patients reported decreased levels of job autonomy and satisfaction. A new managed care program presents psychologists with difficult ethical decisions, in which the quality of care provided to clients must be weighed against the negative aspects of participating in a managed care program. Few issues have generated as much controversy as managed care. Views are passionate and range from a benevolent and positive assessment to malevolent disdain. Some writers suggest