This paper examines trends in the availability of mental health treatment in private insurance plans between 1987 and 1996.  The authors found more limitations on mental health treatment coverage in 1996 than in 1987 but lower rates of consumer cost sharing.  Observed trends indicate that those with the highest level of mental health treatment need lost coverage over this period while those with the lower need levels likely gained coverage. 

McKusick, D. R., Mark, T. L., King, E. C., Coffey, R. M., & Genuardi, J. (2002). Trends in mental health insurance benefits and out-of-pocket spending. Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics, 5(2): 71-8. http://www.icmpe.org/test1/journal/issues/v5i2/v5i2abs03.html  

Authors: David R. McKusick, Tami L. Mark, Edward C. King, Rosanna M. Coffey, James Genuardi.