An examination of treatment completers and non-completers at a child and adolescent community mental health clinic.

This study examined sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of treatment completers (N = 114) and non-completers (N = 136) at a child and adolescent community mental health clinic. Results indicated that children who completed treatment significantly differ from those who prematurely drop out of treatment. Non-completers presented with considerably more impairment in functioning and psychiatric symptoms, and their caregiver reported experiencing significantly more parenting stress and depressive symptoms. Results suggest that mental health treatment is not readily provided to the most difficult to reach and most at-risk youth and their families.