Barlow & Durand’s
Abnormal Psychology: 

FUTURE TRENDS ACTIVITY

Chapter 9:
Physical Disorders and Health Psychology

Managed Behavioral Health Care and the Future of Psychology
The authors of your text rightly point out that many of the leading and most costly diseases are, either directly or indirectly, the result of behavioral and psychological factors. Managed behavioral health care companies are increasingly recognizing this too, and are looking for evidence showing that psychosocial interventions help offset medical costs. For instance, a psychologist trained in behavioral medicine might show that a stress reduction program results in fewer physician visits and less utilization of expensive medical procedures relative to treatment as usual. 

Here you can discuss managed behavioral health care, and psychology’s evolving role in such contexts. The links below represent some useful starting points. 

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/

http://www.fenichel.com/Managed2.html

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/05/behavioral-health