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.

Key Findings from a Recent Study

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 played a role in whether they showed up:

• Demographic details
• Nature of the trauma
• Referral source to the clinic
• Length of time spent on the waitlist

Interestingly, children who didn't attend their intake session had been waiting nearly twice as long as those who did.

The Need for Better Strategies

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.

"Access to care is just the first step; keeping people connected to treatment is equally important."