Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

The rise in short-term psychotherapeutic strategies is most associated with what development?

1. The expansion of private practice therapy

2. The development of health maintenance organizations

3. Increased funding for community mental health

4. Technological advances in teletherapy

The correct answer is: The development of health maintenance organizations

The rise in short-term psychotherapeutic strategies is primarily associated with the development of health maintenance organizations (HMOs). HMOs significantly influenced the mental health care landscape by emphasizing cost containment and efficiency in health care delivery. As they grew in prominence, there was a shift towards evidence-based practices and therapies that produced quicker results, which aligned well with the managed care model of HMOs. This model incentivized therapists to employ shorter treatment sessions that focused on specific, targeted interventions, thus fostering the growth of brief therapy approaches. In contrast, the other options, while relevant to the field of mental health, do not have the same direct correlation with the rise of short-term therapies. The expansion of private practice therapy may provide more flexibility in treatment duration, but it does not specifically promote shorter strategies as HMOs do. Increased funding for community mental health initiatives often supports longer-term treatment strategies rather than shorter interventions. Technological advances in teletherapy facilitate access to therapy but do not inherently dictate the length or style of treatment being offered.