title: 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.
authors.affiliation: Child Study Center, Yale University, 40 Temple St, Suite 7C, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA, erin.warnick@yale.edu.
authors.forename: Erin M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Warnick
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bearss
authors.forename: V Robin
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Weersing
authors.forename: Lawrence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Scahill
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Woolston
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires