| Abstract: | Assessed the outcome of treatment of 121 mental health center clients (11–70 yrs of age), using therapist and independent global improvement ratings and independent ratings of notes in case records based on a client-specific goal-oriented outcome technique (Goal Attainment Scaling; GAS). Telephone follow-up of 50 clients provided a 2nd GAS assessment, client global improvement ratings, and 3 consumer satisfaction ratings. Findings indicate that (a) independently determined GAS scores and therapist and independent global ratings converged significantly, (b) the GAS procedure provided some increase in accuracy as well as an increase in specificity of outcome, and (c) client global ratings may reflect satisfaction with treatment rather than outcome. In view of the intercorrelations among measures and the relationship between GAS scores determined from case records and telephone interviews, case records may provide for accurate assessment of client problems and treatment success. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
