Adolescent Psychotherapy Outcomes in Community Mental Health: How Do Symptoms Align with Target Complaints and Perceived Change?

This study examined the relationship between clinically significant symptom change (rated by youth and parents), severity
of client-defined primary presenting problems (i.e., Target Complaints), and perceived change in therapy. Participants were
117 adolescents receiving outpatient therapy and their parents. Participants completed the following measures at intake and
3 months into treatment: Ohio Scales, Target Complaints, and Perceived Change. Results indicate significant correspondence
between clinically significant symptom change and other outcomes, offering preliminary evidence that global symptom measures
represent change that is meaningful to adolescent clients. However, the modest magnitude of the correspondence also suggests
that such measures as perceived change and individualized Target Complaints may offer unique utility in capturing the multidimensional
nature of outcomes in youth therapy and provide useful avenues for future research focused on enhancing client engagement
and retention. Recommendations for outcome assessment in community mental health centers are provided.