Therapy termination and persistence patterns of elderly clients in a community mental health center

Analyses were conducted on 180 community and nursing home clients, ages 60 to 98, who received psychotherapy as part of a community mental health center program. Case records were reviewed to identify factors associated with persistence in therapy and dropout patterns. Very few (less than 12%) terminated therapy appropriately (as judged by the therapist), about 59% completed at least 10 sessions, and a majority of the community residents themselves initiated termination. Persistence in treatment was associated with nursing home residence, religious beliefs, and receiving the therapy at home. Contrary to predictions, persistence was not associated with self-referral, type of psychiatric diagnosis, age, or gender.