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Predictors of the duration of therapy for clients in the community mental health system

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Abstract

Single and multiple correlates for premature termination and duration of treatment were examined for 13,450 clients seem in 17 community mental health facilities. Predictor variables included seven demographic characteristics of clients and five characteristics of service (type of personnel seeing clients, assignment to inor outpatient programs, diagnosis rendered, assignment to therapy or diagnostic services, and assignment to individual therapy or other services). Results indicated that clients who are members of ethnic groups, who have low educational backgrounds, who are seen by paraprofessional staff, and who are assigned for diagnostic services quickly terminate at community mental health facilities.

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The research for this project was supported by Research Grant MH22090-01 from the National Institute of Mental Health with the cooperation of the Department of Social and Health Services, State of Washington.

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Sue, S., McKinney, H.L. & Allen, D.B. Predictors of the duration of therapy for clients in the community mental health system. Community Ment Health J 12, 365–375 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01411075

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