This 2001 study uses claims data to examine treatment for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) under managed behavioral health organization (MBHO) care-outs.  The study found that, after controlling for severity indicators, costs were significantly lower for patients being treated by just a psychiatrist than for patients seeing both a psychiatrist and therapist, raising the possibility that attempts to save money by “splitting treatment” may not be cost-effective.

Stein, B. & Orlando, M. ADHD treatment in behavioral health carve-out: medications, providers, and service utilization (PDF | 35.58 KB). Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 28(1), 30-41. 

Authors: Bradley Stein and Maria Orlando