When you’re searching for the right mental health treatment provider, you’ll probably want to know if the treatment they offer actually works. One way to find out is by looking at their mental health clinical outcomes (MHCOs). MHCOs measure how successful treatment programs are in helping people improve their mental health. Understanding MHCOs can help you feel more confident in choosing the right provider for you or a loved one.

Many people experience mental health challenges. Fortunately, a large percentage are able to get the treatment they need. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than half of U.S. adults with mental health disorders received professional treatment in 2022. Not all treatment is equal, though. With MHCOs, you can get a better idea of how effectively a provider treats their clients.

What are mental health clinical outcomes (MHCOs)?

Mental health clinical outcomes are measurable results that show how effective a mental health provider’s treatments are. They help answer important questions such as:

• Are clients feeling better after treatment?
• Are symptoms of depression, anxiety or other conditions improving?
• Are clients able to return to work, school or daily activities?

Client outcomes are typically tracked through assessments and questionnaires. Responses may be recorded before, during and after treatment to track progress. MHCOs are designed to measure real progress, tracking short-term improvements as well as lasting changes that help people thrive in the long run.

Key metrics used to measure clinical outcomes

• Symptom reduction — Symptom reduction can be one of the most important measures. It tracks how much symptoms like sadness, anxiety or intrusive thoughts have decreased from the start of treatment to the end. For example, if someone starts treatment with severe anxiety and leaves with mild or no symptoms, that improvement would be recorded as a positive clinical outcome. If a provider shows strong outcomes in symptom reduction, it’s a positive sign. High rates of symptom reduction may mean that a provider’s treatment methods are highly effective in addressing core mental health challenges.
• Functioning improvement — This metric measures how well clients can resume their day-to-day activities after treatment. Depending on the client, these activities might include studying or going to work. This metric might also include improvements in social engagement. If clients are able to get back to their daily routines and improve their ability to function, it can show that treatment is having a positive impact on their overall well-being.
• Treatment completion rates — Adherence is a vital part of effective mental health treatment. Adherence means continuing to engage in treatment all the way through. When people complete a full treatment program, they may be more likely to achieve long-term improvements. If a treatment program has a high completion rate, it likely means that people find the program helpful and engaging.
• Client satisfaction — Client satisfaction is a crucial metric in mental health clinical outcomes. This metric can be measured in many ways. After treatment, providers might ask clients whether they would recommend the program to other people who need treatment. Providers may also ask questions about how satisfied clients are with different aspects of a program. For example, a provider may keep a record of how many clients report having a positive client-therapist relationship. High satisfaction scores can show that clients feel heard and supported during treatment.

Why MHCOs matter and what to look for

Clinical outcomes matter because they can provide a clear picture of how well a provider’s treatments actually work. When choosing a provider, it can be important to look at MHCOs. Finding a provider with great outcomes can help you feel confident that you’re choosing a provider that can help you or your loved one effectively. When reviewing a provider’s clinical outcomes, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Clear metrics — Look for outcomes related to clear metrics like symptom reduction and client satisfaction.
• Transparency — Look for a provider that explains their results in a clear, understandable way.
• Client feedback — Look for high satisfaction scores and in-depth testimonials. These can give you insight into what you can expect as a client.

Lightfully is committed to positive clinical outcomes

Choosing a mental health treatment provider can be a big decision. If you’re looking for a provider with a proven track record and great clinical options, Lightfully may be the right provider for you. At Lightfully, we’re committed to helping our clients have positive, fulfilling treatment experiences. Our past MHCOs found that 90% of our clients would recommend Lightfully to someone else. Our Precision Care Model (PCM) is designed to incorporate the best aspects of evidence-based, whole-person-centered treatments. With our help, you can start working toward long-term mental wellness.

Change is possible. If you’re ready to see the positive outcomes of treatment in your own life, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.