Are dropouts, dropouts?

In this study, the perceptions of unilateral terminators, "dropouts," of their visit to a community mental health center were examined. A telephone survey was conducted to assess client satisfaction, impressions of the setting and therapist, helpfulness of the visit, expectations of and reported services received, and source and degree of problem(s) solution. Forty-seven respondents participated in the survey. Seventy percent were satisfied with the service they received. Satisfaction was related to favorable perceptions of the setting, the therapist, helpfulness of the visit, and whether improvement was due to contact with the center. Almost 80% of the respondents reported their problems had improved. Expectations of services to be rendered were generally met. Meeting of expectations was related to client satisfaction and perceived helpfulness but not to problem solution. Center impact was related to client satisfaction, mode of entry, meeting of clients' expectations, and number of services received. The study suggests that unilateral client termination is not a failure of the client or the intervention system. Clients can benefit from one session, use alternative sources of assistance, or be affected by environmental changes.