This paper explores the thesis that a discrepancy exists in the treatment of physical disease over mental illness when care is provided by Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). Inconsistencies exist in the form of narrowed and abbreviated treatment models coupled with outmoded views towards mental illness. Strategies currently used by HMOs to limit the treatment and care of mental illnesses such as substance abuse can also be used to restrict access to marriage and family therapy. HMOs also do not take into account individual differences, and have a complete disregard for environmental, demographic, and multicultural factors. After chronicling the history of HMOs in the United States, the paper explores the effects of HMO decisions on consumers. It reports the results of the questionnaire distributed to consumers, providers, and executives to determine if the consumer is being denied qualitative mental health care. It concludes with an exploration of more humanistic and acceptable alternatives to mental health care. With this paper the author hopes to: (1) educate newly licensed mental health practitioners to issues regarding HMOs in order that they can protect their interests while maintaining integrity in their treatment of mental health patients, and (2) promote awareness of any ethical concerns that might result as HMOs dictate treatment for mentally ill patients. (Contain 47 references and three appendixes.) (Author/JDM)