Incentive effects of choosing a therapist.
Investigated the effects of offering clients (N = 55) a choice of therapeutic style on show rate and reactions to the initial interview. Individuals who called for an appointment were assigned randomly to Choice and Attention-Control conditions. Choice Ss were informed that they would be assigned to a therapist who identified with one of two descriptions of therapy styles from which they could choose. Based on this choice, these persons were scheduled with the next therapist in line who had identified him/herself with the selected style. Attention-Control clients were informed about the range of services available at the clinic and paired with a therapist regardless of style on the usual rotating basis. A significantly higher proportion of Choice than Attention-Control Ss kept their schedules appointments. However, no significant differences were found on client and therapist evaluations of the initial interview.
D002140:California; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D011613:Psychotherapy