Patient Attrition at the Brigham Young University Counseling and Career Center: Obstacles and Opportunies in Care

Authors

Viktor Koltko, Brigham Young University
Dr. Tyler Pedersen, Brigham Young University

Keywords

patient attrition, premature termination from treatment, counseling services

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

Abstract

Premature termination from treatment is a common problem across all psychotherapeutic settings. Dropout undermines the potential benefits of therapy to those in need and also reduces overall cost-effectiveness of treatment. Research indicates that those who terminate unilaterally from therapy are more likely to be dissatisfied with services, are less likely to have improved, and are typically more impaired and hence in need of services. Current research yields no consensus as to the causes of early client termination from therapy. Results of prior studies indicate that wait-time before and between sessions, client improvement, dislike of the therapist, dissatisfaction with services provided, contextual concerns (travel, time constraints, child care, etc.) and the therapeutic process all contribute to premature termination.

Recommended Citation

Koltko, Viktor and Pedersen, Dr. Tyler (2014) "Patient Attrition at the Brigham Young University Counseling and Career Center: Obstacles and Opportunies in Care," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 307.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/307