Solution-focused group therapy for common mental health problems: Outcome assessment in routine clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of solution-focused group therapy (SFGT) for psychological distress and mild to moderate depression in a routine clinical practice setting.

DESIGN AND METHODS: A naturalistic pre/post-study involving 132 mental health service users was carried out. Clients received seven structured sessions of SFGT, and pre-therapy self-report scores (Spanish brief version of Beck Depression Inventory and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) were compared with post-therapy scores. Additional data on effectiveness of intervention (discharges, clients returning for help and dropout rate) were analysed at 6, 12, and 24 months after initiating intervention and compared with a control sample (132 mental health service users, frequency-matched by local health board, clinical diagnosis, and gender to the group intervention) receiving usual care (UC: Psychotropic medication and/or individual psychotherapy).

RESULTS: Mean post-SFGT levels were significantly lower than mean pre-SFGT levels on each self-report measure in the SFGT sample. In addition, SFGT showed a significantly higher percentage of discharges and fewer clients returning for help than with UC.

CONCLUSIONS: SFGT included in routine clinical practice may enhance the effectiveness of treatment in clients who suffer from depression and/or psychological distress.

PRACTITIONER POINTS: Therapists could use SFGT as a brief and effective tool to deal with the most prevalent mental health problems at mental healthcare centres (MHCs) in Spain, without changing day-to-day clinical routines. SFGT might be effectively incorporated in routine clinical practice for helping people with psychological distress and depressive episodes of mild and moderate severity. This study should encourage systemic therapists and strategically oriented clinicians to continue delivering and offering outcome measures of solution-focused therapy.