The business of psychology.

Abstract

During the time that I first wrote this chapter, there was a joke being bandied about by disgruntled mental health professionals. Relating it to the reader in an attempt at humor may be a dubious reward for wending one's way through the world of ethics reflected in this book, but it will also serve a useful purpose in making the point of this chapter.Three physicians happened to die on the same day and arrived at the proverbial Pearly Gates, waiting to be interviewed by St. Peter to determine whether they would be allowed to enter the Kingdom of Heaven."And who are you? asked St. Peter of the first candidate. "I'm Jonas Salk," he replied meekly. "Oh, the discoverer of the vaccine that saved so many children from the perils of polio. Come right in."Turning to the second healer, St. Peter asked the same question. "I'm Benjamin Spock. I wrote a book on children's health and development," the second physician responded authoritatively.parents. We welcome you to Heaven for the remainder of eternity." He then turned to the third supplicant, saylng "And who might you be? ""Well, I'm Gordon Smiley." "Don't think I recognize the name. What have you done?" "I," Smiley said proudly, "invented the concept of managed health care."' "Really?" St. Peter said, "Okay. You're approved for 3 days.""Ah, yes, and a wise counselor to millions of otherwise anxious and worried 'For those still innocent, managed health care involves, among other things, attempts by health care systems and third-party payors (like insurance companies) to control costs. They do this in a variety of ways, including requiring permission before certain procedures, such as surgery or psychotherapy, are undertaken and determining length of treatment, such as limiting a hospital stay to 1 day or therapy to 8-10 sessions.