Somatoform Disorder: Treatment Utilization and Cost by Mental Health Professions

Administrative data from Cigna for 149 somatoform cases were analyzed to determine the cost, number of sessions, dropout rates, and recidivism rates. Comparisons on these outcomes were made between medical doctors, psychologists, master’s nurses, master’s social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors. Recidivism rates and number of sessions are higher than for other mental health problems. There were no significant difference in total cost by profession, but did indicate a significant difference in cost per session for MDs. Analyses indicate that masters and doctoral level providers produced the same drop out and recidivism rates.