Mental Health Services

Mental illnesses are specific, diagnosable disorders.  Each is characterized by intense alterations in thinking, mood, and/or behavioral over time.  Substance abuse problems are conditions resulting from the inappropriate use of alcohol, prescription drugs, and/or illegal drugs.  Successful treatment of these conditions is possible and has important implications for patients, the health care system, and the community at large.

In November 2004, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a prospective payment system (PPS) for Medicare Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities (IPF).  The payment system that became effective on January 1, 2005, significantly changed how inpatient psychiatric hospitals and units are paid under Medicare.  Resources can be found on the Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities PPS site that focus on Medicare payment and related implementation issues.

Visitors to this site may also be interested in learning more about the resources and services of the AHA Constituency Section for Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Services.  This special section of the membership comprises over 1,400 institutional members in, both general hospitals and freestanding specialty hospitals that provide any of the following services:

• Psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, foster and/or home care, consultation, and education;
• Alcoholism/chemical dependency treatment inpatient, outpatient, and/or partial hospitalization;
• Clinical psychology; and Hospital-based community mental health centers.

Some of the resources within the AHA web site are designated "Members Only" and require a username and password. For assistance in accessing Members Only materials, or for more information, contact the AHA at 1-800-424-4301.