Cost Comparison of State Hospital and Community-Based Care for Seriously Mentally Ill Adults

Abstract

This study suggests that an "admission" cohort of seriously mentally ill patients requires an optimal mix of acute care, extended care, and residential beds, as well as ambulatory services, in order for cost-efficient care to be delivered during a crisis period. Determining the appropriate allocation and supply of beds in different settings is essential if community mental health systems are to manage the care of individuals with serious mental illness outside of institutional settings.