Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2025

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Examining racial and ethnic differences in youth psychotherapy treatment engagement and outcomes
Kara Johansen1, Indrani Saran1, Evelyn Cho2
1School of Social Work, Boston College.
Objective:
Research has identified racial/ethnic disparities in mental health treatment engagement, and there have been recent calls to examine effects of mental health treatment engagement on clinical outcomes among youth of color. This study aimed to examine racial/ethnic differences in (a) behavioral and attitudinal engagement, (b) treatment effectiveness, and (c) the associations between engagement and treatment effectiveness.
Method:
N = 200 youth (ages 7-15; 33% White, 28% Black, 25% Hispanic/Latinx, and 14% multiracial; 52% male) and their N = 200 parents participated in a randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of a transdiagnostic psychotherapy for common youth emotional and behavioral problems. Youth and parents reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms and treatment engagement (e.g., behavioral and attitudinal). Multilevel regression models examined variations in youth symptom trajectories by racial/ethnic group.
Results:
While all racial/ethnic groups showed comparable attitudinal engagement scores, Black and Latinx youth attended significantly fewer sessions than White and multiracial youth (8-9 vs. 13). However, youth in all racial/ethnic groups showed significant and similar improvements in treatment outcomes.
Conclusions:
Black and Latinx youth attended fewer sessions than White youth, but their clinical outcomes were similar to those of White youth. Future research should examine the meaning and implications of session attendance in relation to outcomes in youth of color. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
Related Concept Videos
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
Surveys
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Group Therapy

