Length of intervention and client assessed outcome.

The assumption that therapy becomes increasingly effective with an increase in the number of sessions is reported commonly by therapists. However, in this study, single session (N = 47) and multiple session (N = 54) clients both expressed satisfaction with the therapeutic intervention and felt that they had been helped or that their problem had been solved. About half of the women attributed their success to the therapy regardless of the number of sessions, while the percentage of men shifted from less than 20% for single session clients to nearly 80% for multiple session clients. Cultural differences and degree of commitment may account for these differences.

Are dropouts, dropouts?

In this study, the perceptions of unilateral terminators, "dropouts," of their visit to a community mental health center were examined. A telephone survey was conducted to assess client satisfaction, impressions of the setting and therapist, helpfulness of the visit, expectations of and reported services received, and source and degree of problem(s) solution. Forty-seven respondents participated in the survey. Seventy percent were satisfied with the service they received. Satisfaction was related to favorable perceptions of the setting, the therapist, helpfulness of the visit, and whether improvement was due to contact with the center. Almost 80% of the respondents reported their problems had improved. Expectations of services to be rendered were generally met. Meeting of expectations was related to client satisfaction and perceived helpfulness but not to problem solution. Center impact was related to client satisfaction, mode of entry, meeting of clients' expectations, and number of services received. The study suggests that unilateral client termination is not a failure of the client or the intervention system. Clients can benefit from one session, use alternative sources of assistance, or be affected by environmental changes.

Demographic data and mental health planning.

The use of readily available demographic data in mental health planning is discussed and illustrated. Four indices are identified as important in setting priorities for mental health services: social class, family organization, population mobility, and population heterogeneity.