The Content of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counseling Reported by Patients in a National Survey

This study examined counseling content reported by a national sample of persons receiving care for alcohol, drug or mental health (ADM) problems in a year. The sample included 2,722 individuals over 18 who reported past year mental health or substance abuse care or assessments in a nationally representative survey conducted in 2000–2001. Counseling domains approximating commonly practiced or evidence-based approaches for depression, anxiety, or substance abuse were assessed. Patient self-report may be one useful way of tracking whether components of standard therapies are implemented in practice.