Citation

Garland AF, Saltzman MD, Aarons GA. Eval. Program Plann. 2000; 23(2): 165-175.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0149-7189(00)00009-4

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The goal of this study was to develop a multidimensional scale of adolescents' satisfaction with mental health services with items derived from qualitative interviews with adolescents about their experiences in services. The self-report scale was completed by an ethnically diverse sample of 180 youth ages 13-18, randomly recruited from three out-patient service settings. Results indicate that the psychometric qualities of the scale are strong. Principal axes factoring was used to identify the following four factors of the scale: (1) counselor qualities; (2) meeting needs; (3) effectiveness; and (4) counselor conflict. The validity of the scale was supported in preliminary analyses of its relationship to established measures of client satisfaction and its relationship to reasons for terminating services. Suggestions for the potential clinical and research utility of the scale are discussed.