Descriptive characteristics and length of psychotherapy of child and adult clients seen in private psychological practice

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8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Demographic and diagnostic characteristics of every adult and child client who entered psychotherapy at a private psychological clinic during 1975 are described and several client characteristics are related to length of psychotherapy. Data on 100 adult and 72 child clients suggested that persons treated in a private psychological practice were well-educated, middle-class, and mildly-moderately disturbed. Length of treatment was a median of 8 sessions over 2.5 months for adults; and a median of 13 sessions over 5.5 months for children. The client variable of having insurance coverage was related to length of psychotherapy for both children and adults. Taking medication was related to length of stay for adults. Previous therapy or court involvement were not significantly related to length of treatment in this sample. The major value of the study is that it was an exploration of psychotherapy under naturalistic conditions in a rarely studied treatment setting.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)268-271
Number of pages4
JournalPsychotherapy
Volume17
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1980
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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