A 2-year follow-up of the effectiveness of traditional child psychotherapy

This study examined outcomes at a 2-year follow-up assessment for child psy chotherapy as it typically is delivered in outpatient settings. The treatme nt condition (53 children, mean age = 10.5 years) and control condition (53 children, mean age = 10.0 years) were compared with regard to rates of lin ear and curvilinear change for psychopathology, adaptive functioning, and c onsumer satisfaction. Although both conditions showed curvilinear as well a s linear improvement in behavioral and emotional problems, relatively littl e support was found for the effectiveness of traditional child psychotherap y or for the presence of a psychotherapy "sleeper effect."