Children in therapy: Learning from evaluation of university-based community counseling clinical services

This study examined real-life clinical services to the largest number of child participants in decades of mental health research. Archival data from 364 children aged 3 to 10 years old served through a university-based community counseling clinic were examined. Researchers present descriptive data on children whose parents seek clinical services as well as outcome data on treatment effects. After treatment, results demonstrated statistical, practical, and clinical significance on reducing Internalizing and Externalizing Problems for children. The termination dropout rate in this study was 63.6%. Results are discussed concerning implications for clinical practice and further research.

Research Highlights
► This present study examined real-life clinical services to 364 child participants.
► Completion of treatment indicated a large effect (η2 = .31 ~ .33) on CBCL measures.
► The dropout rate in this study was 63.6%.