The goal of this project was to examine the impact of case management on costs and health outcomes for children and youth with mental illness between the ages 0-23. This research study:

  • Evaluated the relationship between case management and health service utilization for children and youth with mental health conditions who are covered by employer-sponsored health insurance
  • Estimated the costs and projected cost savings attributable to case management over the lifespan
  • Explored individual and contextual factors that influence patient and family engagement and retention in mental health care among Black/African American, Latino, and White families.

Case management services may help link children, youth, and their families to comprehensive health care and support services, and thus improve health outcomes, quality of life, and reduce health care costs.

Project Impact

Little is known about the impact of case management on early childhood mental health, health care costs and quality of life. This research helped illuminate these relationships and identify innovative private payer financing strategies that may influence patient and family experiences with care.