Session frequency in routine psychology practice and perspectives on session scheduling: a mixed-methods study of clinician attitudes and practices
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective Some research suggests treatment outcome can be improved through more frequent therapy session scheduling. It is unknown how frequently Australian psychologists see their clients in routine practice. The present study investigated psychologists’ self-reported session-scheduling, attitudes, and perceived barriers towards more frequent scheduling.Method Using mixed methods, 246 psychologists completed an online survey, and 16 psychologists participated in qualitative interviews.Results Most psychologists had positive attitudes towards greater session frequency and perceived increased frequency to be associated with better outcomes, but a significant proportion scheduled sessions at suboptimal frequencies. Various barriers found confirmed previous literature findings, and enablers such as flexible scheduling and funding solutions were identified.Conclusion Psychologists were willing to schedule sessions more frequently if sessions were more affordable to clients, and if they had a schedule able to accommodate more frequent sessions.
Source: Australian Psychologist
Authors: Imogen Keane, Matthew Franklin Smout
Institution: University of South Australia
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,500
Funder: University of South Australia
OpenAlex ID: W4403503899