DSM-5's Integration with Managed Care

In May 2013 the APA's newest version of their Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is scheduled to be released, and with it the re-writing of many insurance policies will begin.  In light of events which occurred during 2012 it has also become obvious that the United States mental health care system needs reform.  Because insurance companies and their policies play such a large role in the U.S.'s mental health care system, it seems this could be a fantastic opportunity for all involved.  Insurance policies covering mental health care are in many ways going to have to be re-written to include the new criteria from DSM-5.  Since the policies are going to be revamped anyway, U.S.  insurance companies could use this opportunity to make policies including mental health coverage more affordable.  They could also consult with practitioners of mental health (ie:  LPC's, LMFT's, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, LCSW's, etc.) to include their recommended number of sessions for a diagnosed condition.  This could be a wonderful thing for the United States overall.  I will continue to be positive in my hope for an integration of the DSM-5 that will benefit all citizens of this great country, but it may not occur to insurance companies to utilize this opportunity for anything other than re-writing their policies to keep themselves from losing money.