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Administrative, clinical, and ethical issues surrounding the use of waiting lists in the delivery of mental health services

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Abstract

The waiting list is commonly used in the delivery of mental health services. Despite their prevalence, their design and management are generally not standardized; rather, they take place on an ad hoc basis as a response to undesirable circumstances. The formulation and management of a waiting list initially appear to be simple, straightforward, and benign. However, on close examination, waiting lists are complicated, and implementation involves pervasive costs and benefits. This article delineates the costs and benefits involved in the use of waiting lists. It outlines administrative, clinical, and ethical issues intrinsic in the use of waiting lists and provides recommendations aimed at assisting in their design and management. While recommendations encompassing the range of possible unique situations are impractical, guidelines for consideration of important variables are provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 737 West Lombard Street, Suite 551, 21201-1596, Baltimore, MD

    Seth A. Brown PhD (Post Doctoral Fellow)

  2. Chemical Dependence Treatment Program, G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center, USA

    Jefferson D. Parker PhD (Staff Psychologist)

  3. Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, USA

    Jefferson D. Parker PhD (Staff Psychologist)

  4. Department of Psychology, St Cloud State University, USA

    Phillip R. Godding PhD (Assistant Professor)

Authors
  1. Seth A. Brown PhD
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  2. Jefferson D. Parker PhD
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  3. Phillip R. Godding PhD
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Correspondence to Seth A. Brown PhD.

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Brown, S.A., Parker, J.D. & Godding, P.R. Administrative, clinical, and ethical issues surrounding the use of waiting lists in the delivery of mental health services. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research 29, 217–228 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02287708

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