Shifting the treatment model: impact on engagement in outpatient therapy
Abstract
Attrition in youth outpatient mental health clinics ranges from 30 to 70 % and often occurs early in treatment. We implemented specific treatment planning strategies designed to reduce early attrition. Following implementation, 14.3 % of clients dropped out during the first five sessions compared to 26.1 % in the historical control (p < 0.001). During treatment, 33.6 % of clients dropped out in the intervention compared to 55.5 % in the historical control (p < 0.001). Engagement is central to the therapeutic process and may be particularly relevant early in treatment. Implementing evidence-based strategies to promote a collaborative relationship between the family and the clinician may increase engagement and decrease attrition.
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The high dropout rate among adolescents seeking help for mental health problems indicates that effective treatment protocols are not sufficient in themselves.
“The high dropout rate among adolescents seeking help for mental health problems (de Haan et al., 2013; Warnick et al., 2014; Gearing et al., 2012) indicates that effective treatment protocols are not sufficient in themselves.”
From “And I Can Remind Myself That I Am All Of This”: adolescents’ experiences of group-based acceptance and commitment therapy (2024) · cites this paper as Warnick et al., 2014
Motivation, engagement, and adherence are key factors in preventing drop-out, especially for children and adolescents.
“which are key factors in preventing drop-out, especially for children and adolescents (Gearing et al., 2012; Warnick et al., 2014).”
From “And I Can Remind Myself That I Am All Of This”: adolescents’ experiences of group-based acceptance and commitment therapy (2024) · cites this paper as Warnick et al., 2014
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Brovold, F., Laugen, N. J., & Grøtte, T. (2024) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1458421 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
- Authors
- Warnick, E. M., Bearss, K., Weersing, V. R., Scahill, L., & Woolston, J.
- Affiliations
- Yale University (US)
- San Diego State University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Warnick, Erin M.
- Venue
- Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research
- Published
- 2012-09-12
- Volume
- 41
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 93-103
- ISSN
- 0894-587X (ISSN-L)
- 1573-3289
- OpenAlex
- W2065535076
- Cited by
- 31
- References
- 46
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 2 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 1 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 5 · 2014: 2
- FWCI
- 0.72
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
- Locations
- Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Yale University
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychiatric care and mental health services
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
- Keywords
- treatment discontinuation, treatment engagement, outpatient therapy, youth mental health, treatment planning, collaborative therapy, early dropout, evidence-based interventions
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Affective Symptoms, Ambulatory Care, Anxiety Disorders, Mental Disorders, Child, Child Behavior Disorders, Female, Humans, Male, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Patient Care Planning, Patient Dropouts, Surveys and Questionnaires
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