Measurement-based Care as a Practice Improvement Tool: Clinical and Organizational Applications in Youth Mental Health

Abstract

Measurement-based care (MBC) is a systematic, ongoing assessment to monitor treatment progress and inform clinical decision-making. MBC is considered an evidence-based practice, with extensive research support in adult clinical populations and emerging evidence in youth populations. This paper describes both clinical (e.g., enhancing therapy alliance, informing case conceptualization) and organizational (e.g., informing quality improvement efforts) applications of MBC, and illustrates the clinical applications through two case examples from publicly funded mental health agency settings. The paper concludes by detailing future research needed to enhance the clinical and organizational utility of MBC.