Research on Social Work Practice, Ahead of Print.
Purpose: Student-staffed behavioral health clinics may increase low-cost access to mental health services, but there is a need to assess these models. This retrospective study evaluates the effect of a community-based, nonprofit, and student-staffed mental health program on adult clients’ depression, anxiety, and global distress to determine if this program model improves outcomes. Method: Historical, de-identified client demographic and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) data (n = 627) was evaluated using paired sample t-tests to determine the effectiveness of treatment from graduate students working at a community mental health clinic. Results: As clients progressed in therapy, their depression, anxiety, and overall global severity index significantly improved. Over the course of treatment, there was an 18% decrease in the number of clients presenting with clinically relevant scores. Discussion: It is recommended that community-based student-staffed behavioral health clinics be considered as they have the potential to provide effective, low-cost services for many in need.