Predictors of use of evidence-based practices for children and adolescents in usual care

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2015 Jul;42(4):373-83. doi: 10.1007/s10488-014-0578-9.

Abstract

Practice data from 74 therapists providing public mental health services to 519 youth ages 5-19 were examined. Multilevel modeling suggested child and therapist characteristics predicted use of practices derived from the evidence-base (PDEB) and use of practices with minimal evidence support (PMES). Longer episode length predicted greater receipt of PDEB; older youth, males, and youth in out-of-home levels of care were more likely to receive PMES; and youth receiving an evidence-based treatment program were less likely to receive PMES. Professional specialty and theoretical orientation significantly predicted PDEB whereas therapist characteristics did not predict PMES. Implementation implications are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Community Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Counseling
  • Evidence-Based Practice / statistics & numerical data*
  • Family Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Multilevel Analysis
  • Process Assessment, Health Care
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychological Theory
  • Psychology
  • Psychotherapy / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Work
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult