Perceived Barriers to Treatment and Psychotherapy Attendance in Child Community Mental Health Centers

Poor psychotherapy attendance is a major problem facing most child community mental health centers. However, post-treatment perspectives on reasons for premature termination are rarely sought from either families or clinicians. In the present study, we collected parent data and clinician data regarding 72 and 153 clients, respectively, from four child and adolescent community mental health centers serving diverse families. Problems regarding (a) the perceived relevance of treatment and (b) the quality of the therapist–family relationship emerged as the two most consistent factors related to premature dropout. Possible interventions to increase psychotherapy attendance are highlighted.