Government Budget Woes Bring A Changing Financing Landscape To Behavioral Health Field In 2004

OPEN MINDS, The Behavioral Health & Social Service Industry Analyst Cover Story As you implement your 2004 business plans, keep in mind those words of wisdom "If you sleep next to an elephant, you can't help but notice when he rolls over." In behavioral health, our 'elephant' is public sector funding, which accounts for almost 60% of total spending on mental health and substance abuse services in the United States. Last year, our 'elephant' had a few problems - a record federal budget deficit and declines in state tax bases put new pressure on legislators and policymakers to trim spending . . .