Abstract
Evidence-based psychotherapies to treat depression are available, yet it remains unknown the extent to which these practices are used in routine care for depression. Using survey and administrative data, we sought to describe usual care psychotherapy for depression for adult patients receiving care through a large, managed behavioral health care organization. Data from 420 patients receiving psychotherapy for depression and 159 of their therapists provide evidence that some practitioners are using evidence-based psychotherapy techniques for depression, but also demonstrate the need for improved tools to monitor and improve quality of psychotherapy in usual care.
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Acknowledgements
We thank the MacArthur Network on Mental Health Policy Research for financial support and intellectual guidance. We would also like to thank the in-kind contribution of staff time, supplies, and the access to members and their providers by OptumHealth Behavioral Solution.
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Hepner, K.A., Greenwood, G.L., Azocar, F. et al. Usual Care Psychotherapy for Depression in a Large Managed Behavioral Health Organization. Adm Policy Ment Health 37, 270–278 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-009-0247-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-009-0247-6