The Louisiana Mental Health Client-Outcome Evaluation Project: an initial progress report

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Healthcare Outcome Evaluation

Background:

• Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) require effective client outcome monitoring.
• Existing systems may not adequately capture client-centered results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of the Schainblatt - Hatry system for client-oriented outcome monitoring.
• To evaluate the system's applicability in Louisiana CMHC outpatient settings.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of a self-administered mental health questionnaire at intake.
• Utilizing a combined mail-out and telephone follow-up data collection strategy.
• Operationalizing follow-up procedures with a small central evaluation staff.

Main Results:

• The project is currently in its initial progress reporting phase.
• An overview of instruments and procedures is provided.
• Preliminary results of the project's outcomes are discussed.

Conclusions:

• The Schainblatt - Hatry system offers a structured approach to client-oriented outcome monitoring.
• The project's findings will inform the broader implementation of this system in CMHCs.
• Further analysis will detail the system's impact on client outcomes.