Opening the black box. The impact of inpatient treatment services on client outcomes

This study examined the effects of specific services provided in therapeutic communities (TCs) to treatment outcomes. Findings are compared to prior analyses of treatment outcomes from the District of Columbia Treatment Initiative (DCI) that did not utilize the treatment service information. A subsample of DCI clients randomly assigned to two TC programs, who had remained in inpatient treatment for at least 60 days, were included in the analyses (n = 371). Logistic regression results illustrated that the level of vocational education services received was positively associated with completing treatment, and participation in group services was associated with decreases in postdischarge arrest. In addition, clients who received a greater number of all inpatient services were more likely to complete treatment and were less likely to be arrested after discharge. Findings suggest that TC programs should consider offering more vocational education and group treatment services to enhance prosocial behavior following treatment discharge.