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Implementation and Evaluation of Brief Cognitive–Behavioural Therapy in a Mental Health Acute Assessment and Treatment Service

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 February 2012

Heather J. Green*
Affiliation:
Inner North Brisbane Mental Health Service, Australia and Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia. H.Green@griffith.edu.au
Rowena M. Frank
Affiliation:
Inner North Brisbane Mental Health Service, Australia.
Andrew Butwell
Affiliation:
Inner North Brisbane Mental Health Service, Australia and Toowong Private Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
Oswald J. Beck
Affiliation:
Inner North Brisbane Mental Health Service, Australia.
*
*Address for correspondence: Dr Heather J. Green, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, School of Psychology, Griffith University QLD 4222, Australia.
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Abstract

This pilot study evaluated the addition of 1 to 6 sessions of cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) for patients of a mental health acute assessment and treatment team. A pre-post design for 12 months of consecutive referrals used the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HONOS), Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales (DASS), and patient satisfaction. Forty-two patients who attended CBT were compared with 19 patients who were referred but did not attend therapy due to refusal, referral to another service, or loss to follow-up. With a mean of 3.2 sessions, HONOS scores improved by a mean of 1.02 SD in patients who attended CBT and 0.72 SD in nonattenders. DASS results showed a mean reduction of 0.55 SD in symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in those who attended. Patients' overall satisfaction averaged 4.7/5. Results showed brief CBT was feasible in this setting, with high patient satisfaction and some evidence of improved patient outcomes compared with usual care.

Type
Standard Papers
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

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