Predictors of the duration of therapy for clients in the community mental health system.

Single and multiple correlates for premature termination and duration of treatment were examined for 13,450 clients seem in 17 community mental health facilities. Predictor variables included seven demographic characteristics of clients and five characteristics of service (type of personnel seeing clients, assignment to in- or outpatient programs, diagnosis rendered, assignment to therapy or diagnostic services, and assignment to individual therapy or other services. Results indicated that clients who are members of ethnic groups, who have low educational backgrounds, who are seen by paraprofessional staff, and who are assigned for diagnostic services quickly terminate at community mental health facilities.