Positive results from outpatient mental health intervention.

Collected data on 3,342 outpatients over 2 years. A 4-year follow-up of successful outcomes was conducted on each of the cases. Hospitalized patients showed a 30% success rate. The success rate for the group that was recommended for no treatment was 60%. The success rate for patients who completed outpatient treatment increased to 78%. A patient's expectation of outcome, the clinician's assessment of reason for referral, the diagnosis, and age were the most powerful predictors of success. These findings demonstrate the following: (a) procedures for assessment and intervention can be successful; and (b) a significant portion of the population can be served by intervention with proper selection.