Evaluation of the Computerized Assessment System for Psychotherapy Evaluation and Research (CASPER) as a measure of treatment effectiveness in an outpatient training clinic

This study evaluated the validity of the Computerized Assessment System for Psychotherapy Evaluation and Research (CASPER), a system that identifies t arget problems and monitors treatment outcomes. Pre- and posttreatment data were obtained from 78 clients and their therapists in an outpatient traini ng clinic. GASPER scales were significantly correlated with the Brief Sympt om Inventory (BSI) and with therapist ratings on the Global Assessment Scal e (GAS) at both intake and posttreatment. These measures also showed signif icant pre- to posttreatment changes. The largest effect sizes were found on GASPER individualized outcome measures. Residual change scores and posttre atment improvement ratings derived from GASPER were significantly correlate d with BSI and GAS change scores. There was moderate agreement between clie nts' and therapists' ratings; clients tended to rate their functioning high er than did therapists on several GASPER scales.