Why empirically supported psychological treatments are important

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Managed care and clinical practice guidelines increase demand for accountability in healthcare.
• Evidence-based clinical practice is becoming increasingly important in psychotherapy.
• Psychological interventions must be supported by research for future clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the importance of identifying, promoting, and disseminating empirically supported therapies (ESTs).
• To highlight the role of the American Psychological Association Society of Clinical Psychology's Committee on Science and Practice in advancing ESTs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on trends in managed care and clinical guidelines.
• Analysis of the current status and utilization of empirically supported therapies.
• Examination of initiatives by professional organizations to promote ESTs.

Main Results:

• Evidence-based psychotherapy is increasingly required due to healthcare system changes.
• Empirically supported treatments exist for common mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
• These effective treatments are often underutilized and unrecognized by clinicians.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need to identify, promote, and disseminate empirically supported therapies.
• Professional organizations play a key role in bridging the gap between research and clinical practice.
• Future psychotherapy will likely emphasize research-supported interventions for better patient outcomes.