Exploration of Client Profile and Clinical Outcome in a University Psychology Clinic

Abstract

Objective

The main aim of this project was to provide a client profile and to evaluate effectiveness of therapy as provided by trainees in a university‐based psychology clinic setting.

Method

The participants included face‐to‐face (n = 82) and video‐therapy (n = 20) adult clients of the University of South Australia Psychology Clinic at Magill Campus who attended the clinic between March 2011 and August 2013. A mixed design was used to evaluate treatment effectiveness. Psychological distress was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS‐21) and Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE‐10).

Results

Scores in the CORE‐10 indicated that the clients' distress levels significantly decreased between pre‐ and post‐treatment; however, this was not dependent on therapy completion or dropout. Unemployment status was the only factor to significantly predict therapy dropout.

Conclusion

In summary, results suggest that trainees gained experience with a wide range of client groups and that therapy provided by trainees was effective.

Key words:

• client profile
• clinical outcome
• dropout
• predictors
• university clinic
• videoconferencing