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Adolescent Psychotherapy Outcomes in Community Mental Health: How Do Symptoms Align with Target Complaints and Perceived Change?

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An Erratum to this article was published on 23 October 2012

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between clinically significant symptom change (rated by youth and parents), severity of client-defined primary presenting problems (i.e., Target Complaints), and perceived change in therapy. Participants were 117 adolescents receiving outpatient therapy and their parents. Participants completed the following measures at intake and 3 months into treatment: Ohio Scales, Target Complaints, and Perceived Change. Results indicate significant correspondence between clinically significant symptom change and other outcomes, offering preliminary evidence that global symptom measures represent change that is meaningful to adolescent clients. However, the modest magnitude of the correspondence also suggests that such measures as perceived change and individualized Target Complaints may offer unique utility in capturing the multidimensional nature of outcomes in youth therapy and provide useful avenues for future research focused on enhancing client engagement and retention. Recommendations for outcome assessment in community mental health centers are provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK, USA

    Veronika Karpenko

  2. Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA

    Julie Sarno Owens

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  1. Veronika Karpenko
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  2. Julie Sarno Owens
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Correspondence to Veronika Karpenko.

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Karpenko, V., Owens, J.S. Adolescent Psychotherapy Outcomes in Community Mental Health: How Do Symptoms Align with Target Complaints and Perceived Change?. Community Ment Health J 49, 540–552 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-012-9515-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-012-9515-0

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