Harnessing the Therapist Effect in Patient-Centered Mental Health Care Decision Making

James F Boswell; Michael J Constantino; David R Kraus

doi:10.1007/s10488-016-0789-3

Harnessing the Therapist Effect in Patient-Centered Mental Health Care Decision Making

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2017 Sep;44(5):724-728. doi: 10.1007/s10488-016-0789-3.

Authors

James F Boswell¹, Michael J Constantino², David R Kraus³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12222, USA. jboswell@albany.edu.
² Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 612 Tobin Hall - 135 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA, 01003-9271, USA.
³ Outcome Referrals, Inc., 1 Speen St., Framingham, MA, 01701, USA.

PMID: 28064399
DOI: 10.1007/s10488-016-0789-3

Abstract

In this commentary, we address the critical importance of the research literature documenting therapist differences in skill and outcomes. In particular, we focus on the implications of therapist differences for patient-centered decision making, including the matching of patients to specific psychotherapists who have empirically-based track records of positive performance. In addition, we present preliminary results from a grant supported study of patients' values and preferences regarding the use of provider performance track records in routine mental health care decision making.

Keywords: Health care decision making; Patient preferences; Psychotherapy outcome; Therapist effects.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

Adult
Decision Making*
Female
Humans
Male
Patient Participation / methods*
Patient Preference
Patient-Centered Care / methods*
Patient-Centered Care / standards
Professional-Patient Relations*
Psychotherapy / methods*
Psychotherapy / standards
Research Design