Implementation and evaluation of brief cognitive-behavioural therapy in a mental health acute assessment and treatment service

Abstract

This pilot study evaluated the addition of 1-6 sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients of a mental health acute assessment and treatment team. A pre-post design for 12 months of consecutive referrals used the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HONOS), Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales (DASS), and patient satisfaction. Forty-two patients who attended CBT were compared with 19 patients who were referred but did not attend therapy due to refusal, referral to another service, or loss to follow-up. With a mean of 3.2 sessions, HONOS scores improved by a mean of 1.02 SD in patients who attended CBT and 0.72 SD in non-attenders. DASS results showed a mean reduction of 0.55 SD in symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in those who attended. Patients' overall satisfaction averaged 4.7/5. Results showed brief CBT was feasible in this setting, with high patient satisfaction and some evidence of improved patient outcomes compared with usual care.