Between 1997 & 2005, Number of Psychiatrist Visits for Psychotherapy Declines From 44% to 28%

OPEN MINDS On-Line News Mental Health & Chemical Dependency Services The percentage of psychiatrist visits involving psychotherapy declined from 44.4% in 1996-1997 to 28.9% in 2004-2005. The number of psychiatrists who provided psychotherapy to all of their patients also declined over the same time period, from 19.1% to 10.8%. The trend coincided with reimbursement changes that favored the use of medications. Those continuing to offer psychotherapy prescribed medication for fewer clients compared to the psychiatrists who provided psychotherapy less often. The changes may be related to increases in the number of psychiatrists in . . .