Statewide treatment outcome assessment in Colorado: the Colorado Client Assessment Record (CCAR)

Colorado has been measuring mental health treatment outcome statewide for the past four years. The data system for it is built around the Colorado Client Assessment Record ( CCAR ), a multi-dimensional checklist and Level-of-Functioning ( LOF ) measure. The CCAR is used by the Colorado Division of Mental Health for needs assessment, defining target groups, estimating bed need and doing cost-effectiveness studies. An underlying structure consisting of seven independent scales has recently been established using factor-analytic methods. A rater effect was also discovered and mathematically removed, revealing reliable and valid LOF information heretofore unknown. The improved CCAR will hasten implementation of Colorado's long-range plan for treatment outcome assessment.