CLIENT SATISFACTION WITH DRUG-ABUSE DAY TREATMENT VERSUS RESIDENTIAL CARE

We compared overall treatment satisfaction and helpfulness of treatmen t components for 216 clients randomly assigned to day versus residenti al treatment. Baseline interviews were conducted near admission using the Addiction Severity Index, Beck Depression Inventory, Symptom Check list-90-R, and a social support measure. Follow-up interviews occurred 6 months later with these instruments plus a client satisfaction meas ure. Clients in both clay and residential treatment were highly satisf ied with overall services and most treatment components. Satisfaction scores were high and did not differ between modalities, however, menta l health services were less helpful to day treatment clients, and more day treatment clients indicated not receiving certain treatment compo nents. Client satisfaction correlated with treatment retention and sev eral baseline and 6-month severity outcomes. These findings indicate d ay treatment may be as satisfying to clients as residential treatment, and give credence to the idea that client satisfaction assessment sho uld be routine in outcome evaluations of drug abuse treatment.