Mental health care: a collaborative, holistic approach

Managed care has dramatically transformed mental health care. The solo physician practice, once the dominant mode of delivery of care, has almost disappeared. Multidisciplinary, collaborative practices have emerged as flexible, cost-effective alternatives. The article describes a holistic, collaborative model of mental health care. A holistic model includes the professionals, administrative staff, patients, and families in the treatment plan and maximizes collaboration. Cooperation and trust among all the individuals involved are essential to ensure a comprehensive plan to restore health.