Evaluating Brief Structured Group Treatment of Depression

Abstract

Objective: An evaluation of the effectiveness of an innovative brief group treatment model for depression. Method: Data were analyzed using seven outcome measures on 59 participants at an outpatient community mental health center. The structured model was compared to a brief supportive group model and a wait-list control group. Results: Findings indicated that members of the structured groups improved significantly on five of the seven measures in relation to the wait-list control group, whereas the alternate groups improved significantly on only two measures in relation to the wait-list control group. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the structured and alternate groups on the measures. Group leadership and group process measures were also analyzed and found to have no significant effects. Conclusion: The brief structured group model is an effective treatment for depression with a community mental health center population in relation to a wait-list control group.