Mathematica Policy Research has conducted influential work to improve mental health and substance abuse services and policies. We combine our deep knowledge of behavioral health care with our data collection and analytic capabilities to provide a wide array of services.

The Affordable Care Act authorized the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to test innovative health care payment and service delivery models with the potential to lower spending on Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s...

This overview of findings shows that access to outpatient mental health services improved, and consumer spending declined. Health plans relied on managed care to contain costs, and spending did not rise substantially.

Youth have concerns about sensitive health topics, including drugs, sex, and mental health. Providers often perceive that youth are uncomfortable discussing these topics and do not address these concerns. This study found that youth who discussed sensitive topics with their primary care provider...

A systematic review examined universal mental health screening in pediatric primary care, and found little research has addressed patients' engagement in the process or how clinicians can best use screening results.

African American and Hispanic youth with mental health problems are less likely than their Caucasian counterparts to receive mental health services. Primary care providers are often the source of mental health care for children and may play a role in reducing disparities. This research...

This study looks at the first two to three years of parity for mental health and substance abuse benefits in Vermont and concludes that parity was achieved in the state. Increased use of managed care helped make parity affordable but may have reduced access and utilization for some services and...

This rigorous study found that early intervention programs with a personal navigator can reduce dependence on federal disability benefits for adult workers with mental health conditions.

A new study finds excessive alcohol use causes a large economic burden to states and the District of Columbia. The study found that excessive alcohol use cost states and the District a median of $2.9 billion in 2006, ranging from $420 million in North Dakota to $32 billion in California. This...

Serious behavioral and emotional disorders affect millions of America’s children and their families. Mathematica Policy Research, along with the Center for Health Care Strategies, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, has...