Session frequency in routine psychology practice and perspectives on session scheduling: a mixed-methods study of clinician attitudes and practices.

ObjectiveMethodResultsConclusion\nKEY POINTSSome research suggests treatment outcome can be improved through more frequent therapy session scheduling. It is unknown how frequently Australian psychologists see their clients in routine practice. The present study investigated psychologists’ self-reported session-scheduling, attitudes, and perceived barriers towards more frequent scheduling.Using mixed methods, 246 psychologists completed an online survey, and 16 psychologists participated in qualitative interviews.Most psychologists had positive attitudes towards greater session frequency and perceived increased frequency to be associated with better outcomes, but a significant proportion scheduled sessions at suboptimal frequencies. Various barriers found confirmed previous literature findings, and enablers such as flexible scheduling and funding solutions were identified.Psychologists were willing to schedule sessions more frequently if sessions were more affordable to clients, and if they had a schedule able to accommodate more frequent sessions.<bold>What is already known about this topic:</bold> The prevalence of mental health in Australia has remained high over time.Weekly and greater frequency of therapy sessions is associated with better treatment outcomes for many clients and presentations.Some barriers may limit the capacity of psychologists to offer more frequent sessions.The prevalence of mental health in Australia has remained high over time.Weekly and greater frequency of therapy sessions is associated with better treatment outcomes for many clients and presentations.Some barriers may limit the capacity of psychologists to offer more frequent sessions.<bold>What this topic adds:</bold> Results indicated that session frequency is typically lower than ideal in routine psychology practice.In addition to barriers, various enablers conducive to more frequent scheduling were identified such as scheduling flexibility, strategic booking, funding solutions and reducing caseload.Strategies such as advocacy campaigns and increased education were identified as possible means to subvert these barriers.Results indicated that session frequency is typically lower than ideal in routine psychology practice.In addition to barriers, various enablers conducive to more frequent scheduling were identified such as scheduling flexibility, strategic booking, funding solutions and reducing caseload.Strategies such as advocacy campaigns and increased education were identified as possible means to subvert these barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]