Outcome oriented supervision: Advantages of adding systematic client tracking to supportive consultations

Abstract

We argue in this paper that it is time for therapists and supervisors to incorporate outcome monitoring and brief client assessments into ongoing counseling supervision. Tracking client treatment response, comparing it to expected treatment response, and alerting counselors and supervisors when a client shows poor progress is described. It is suggested that such methods can maximize recovery in those individuals who are not responding to treatment as expected. The degree to which such methods facilitate the recovery of helpful client outcomes is summarized. Incorporating an outcome management system into routine counseling and supervision is encouraged to help actualize the goals of supervision.

Keywords:

• Supervision
• counseling and psychotherapy outcome
• outcomes management
• quality assurance
• client deterioration