Abstract
Objective: Both the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the American Psychological Association (APA) have called upon psychodynamic practitioners to start demonstrating their psychotherapy outcomes. This effectiveness study attempted to begin to answer these calls. Method: The study was a secondary data analysis of existing data from a psychodynamic mental health clinic. It used a single group, within subjects longitudinal design. The psychometrically validated “Outcome Questionnaire” (OQ 45.2) was used as a measure of change. A linear mixed and random effects model was used to analyze the data. The aims of this study were: (1) to look at whether subjects improve and, (2) if so, what variables moderate outcome. Results: Findings suggest that psychodynamic treatment is effective over time, producing moderate effect sizes, and points to the particular importance of the first three months in bringing about symptom change. Conclusions: Findings suggest a common course of recovery, with some between-group variability based on several important variables. Implications for clinical social work are discussed.