Program evaluators in community mental health centers: results of a national survey

A national survey of CMHC directors and program evaluators yielded responses by both directors and evaluators from 323 CMHCs (60% response rate). The majority of centers reported only one full-time equivalent evaluator or less. Evaluators generally had little or no specific formal education in program evaluation and the majority had a master's degree or less as their highest degree. However, consultants were widely used and evaluators expressed much interest in hearing about conferences, continuing education opportunities, and publications dealing with program evaluation.