What Percentage of Behavioral Health/Human Services Budgets Goes Toward IT?
On average, IT spending in behavioral health care/human services organizations represents 1.8% of total operating budgets, compared with 3.5% of the total operating budget for general health care services, according to a survey conducted by the Centerstone Research Institute. The survey was co-sponsored by the Software and Technology Vendors Association, the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, the Mental Health Corporations of America and the National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems. The survey found that respondents believe that IT offers positive contributions to the effectiveness of behavioral health and human services but that its potential has not yet been fulfilled. Respondents cited financial limitations as the primary barrier to health IT adoption. Other adoption barriers cited include lack of compatibility and privacy concerns. Results are based on an online survey of 440 organizations representing varied segments within the behavioral health and hu
