Why Do People Skip Their First Therapy Appointment?

Trauma affects millions of people worldwide, leaving lasting impacts on mental well-being. Despite the availability of effective treatments, many individuals who schedule their first therapy session never show up. This issue, known as preintake attrition, is a significant challenge in mental health care. Understanding why this happens is crucial for improving services and making better use of limited resources.A recent study looked at data from an outpatient clinic that specializes in trauma treatment. The clinic serves both children and adults. Out of 249 people who were placed on the waitlist, only 129 actually attended their initial appointment. That's just over half. The study found that several factors, such as demographic details, the nature of the trauma, and how the person was referred to the clinic, played a role in whether they showed up. Interestingly, the length of time people spent on the waitlist also mattered. Children who didn't attend their intake session had been waiting nearly twice as long as those who did. These findings highlight the need for better strategies to keep people engaged in the treatment process. By addressing these factors, clinics can help more individuals get the support they need. It's a reminder that access to care is just the first step; keeping people connected to treatment is equally important.