Patient-therapist mismatch: we would rather switch than fight.
The authors studied 21 psychiatric outpatients who were granted a change in therapist at their request. The study sample did not differ significantly from other outpatients in demographic characteristics or diagnosis. Results indicated that the great majority of requests for a change in therapists resulted from patient-therapist mismatch, and the majority of patients who changed therapists remained in treatment with the new therapist and reported being satisfied with the change. The authors believe that a flexible policy regarding changes in therapists will enhance treatment effectiveness, and they offer suggestions on how to manage transfers.
D000328:Adult; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010360:Patient Transfer; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011613:Psychotherapy