A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP), published by Elsevier, reports that the effectiveness of youth mental health services can be improved by providing clinicians with frequent youth and family feedback and coaching leaders to support clinicians’ effective use of the feedback. Improving the use of treatment feedback is a top priority for policymakers, funders, researchers, clinicians and family advocates, because use of feedback can significantly reduce the high rates of treatment failure (50%) observed in youth mental health services.
Dozens of clinical trials have shown that mental health services are more effective when clinicians receive frequent feedback (e.g., weekly) on how patients are responding to treatment using standardized symptom rating scales. That said, very few clinicians use treatment feedback measures with youth, and even when use of measures is mandated by policymakers, clinicians often fail to view the feedback or use it. To solve this research-to-practice gap, faculty members from Boise State University, the University of California San Diego, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Central Florida partnered to test a strategy that trains leaders of mental health clinics to create organizational climates that support the use of treatment feedback.
Recent research emphasizes the importance of regular feedback in youth mental health care, showing that active input from young individuals and their families can greatly enhance treatment outcomes. The study reveals that when therapists gather feedback from youth and their caregivers about treatment progress, they can make timely adjustments to better meet each individual’s needs. This practice, known as feedback-informed treatment, promotes personalized care by continuously assessing what’s working well and what may need to change. Not only does it build stronger therapeutic relationships, but it also fosters a sense of control and involvement for the youth and their families, which has been shown to improve both engagement in therapy and overall mental health outcomes. The findings highlight the growing need for mental health providers to integrate feedback systems into their practices, particularly when working with children and adolescents facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, know that help is available. Call rehabnear.me at 855–339-1112 for support and guidance on a path to recovery and mental wellness.
Research Highlights Importance of Feedback in Youth Mental Health Care https://t.co/wvk61NGJC9 #rehabnearme 855-339-1112
— RehabNearMe (@RehabNear_Me) October 28, 2024
