Oftentimes, clients do not feel comfortable speaking up, this is why it’s important to have rating scales.
The Session Rating Scale and Outcome Rating Scale work hand-in-hand to produce the best possible results while working with a behavioral health specialist. These two rating mechanisms were expertly crafted to help clients and therapists build working alliances where the client can maximize their progress.
While the ORS was created to evaluate the overall quality of behavioral health services, the SRS works to fine tune the process by implementing client feedback after each session. This new standard has transformed the way that clients receive care and communicate with their therapist.
At MyOutcomes, we are dedicated to the process of optimizing behavioral health services using proven rating strategies. This is exactly why we commit to using the ORS and SRS rating scales to improve performance. Continue reading to learn a few important reasons why SRS outcomes have become integral to the field of behavioral health.
Improve client-counselor relationships
One of the greatest struggles for most clients during counseling sessions is relating to the health professional and feeling comfortable enough to open up about personal issues. The SRS rating scale sends a clear message to clients that their counselor is concerned with meeting their needs in the best way possible. This scale addresses the client-therapist dynamic by asking the client to evaluate the level to which they felt valued and respected during the session. Clients often feel much more comfortable assessing their personal feelings towards the healthcare professional after the session, as opposed to in person.
Direct the conversation
During a short session, it is important to address the key areas of concern that are weighing on the client’s mind. Unfortunately, conversations can often go in many different directions, which fail to cover the topics that the client is hoping to discuss. Oftentimes, clients do not feel comfortable speaking up when this happens, which is why it is important to have rating scales in place, so that clients can evaluate how well the session kept on track with their needs. If the client leaves a low rating, the counselor can work to ensure they direct the conversation more effectively during the next appointment.
Experiment with various approaches as needed
Trained behavioral health specialists are taught a variety of different therapeutic approaches throughout their education. If one approach does not work for a particular client, they may assume that the service is not fit for their needs. However, the solution could be as simple as experimenting with other treatment methods. The best way to achieve a suitable approach is by working as a team to pinpoint the areas where the sessions are lacking. The Session Rating Scale helps facilitate this working relationship by monitoring the effectiveness of the counsellor’s approach.
Gauge the client’s emotional state
A behavioral health specialist’s top priority should be to provide high-quality client care. When it comes to counseling, half of the battle is finding a professional who you enjoy meeting with on a regular basis, and who helps you progress towards your goals. Even in cases where the approach is right and conversations flow easily, the client may still feel as though they are not receiving the type of service they are looking for. When this happens, it is important to flag it immediately, so that the client can try working with another healthcare professional who they are more comfortable corresponding with. Rating scales provide the opportunity for clients to voice their overall feeling towards each session, so that the facility can recommend another service or specialist to help them.
Your behavioral health practice could reap the many benefits of the Session Rating Scale and Outcome Rating Scale by contacting MyOutcomes.