The premature disengagement of clients from treatment hinders the effective delivery of behavioral health services.  Research indicates that when evidence-based treatment models are used by clinicians at least 12 completed sessions are generally required for the model to be effective.

Each CBT+ client is assessed at admission, and a target symptom is established by the clinician based on background information gathered at intake and through completion of the following target symptom scales:

“Demonstrated Improvement” is measured periodically by a therapist during treatment using the appropriate diagnostic scale.  The therapist charts each client’s progress over time and shares that chart with the client and caregivers to provide a visual indicator of treatment progress.  This visual indicator serves as a source of motivation to the client and caregivers to maintain the hard work and engagement required to be successful in therapy. 

The premature disengagement of clients from treatment hinders the effective delivery of behavioral health services.  Research indicates that when evidence-based treatment models are used by clinicians at least 12 completed sessions are generally required for the model to be effective.

• Baltimore County Public Schools
• Baltimore County Department of Social Services
• University of Maryland, School of Social Work
• Associated Catholic Charities

The provision of clinical counseling services must be informed by evidence to support service quality and outcomes. Evidence-based programs combine the best available and most current research with the experience and judgement of practitioners, children, youth, and families/caregivers to deliver positive outcomes. Each of the four CBT+ interventions has a body of research supporting their effectiveness (Cohen, et al., 2006; Cohen, et al., 2012; David-Ferdon & Kaslow, 2008; Huey & Polo, 2008; Klinger, et al, 2006). The Washington State Institute for Public Policy (2018) has conducted an analysis of behavioral health interventions for youth.  All four CBT+ interventions can be found on the Institute’s inventory and are rated as either evidence-based or research-based.

The annual target percentage for clinical counseling cases terminating by mutual plan is 80%.  A total of 81% or 263 of 326 unduplicated clinical counseling cases terminated by mutual plan during FY22.

Definition: 

Service Termination by Mutual Plan:  To “terminate services by mutual plan” means that both the clinician and client, or client’s parent/caregiver, agree that it is appropriate to end service at that time.  A client’s failure to appear for appointments, resulting in service termination, is not considered termination by mutual plan.  A client’s notification that he/she will be discontinuing service, when the clinician does not believe that sufficient progress has been achieved to warrant the termination of service, is not considered termination by mutual plan.