Abstract
Colorado has been measuring mental health treatment outcome statewide for the past four years. The data system for it is built around the Colorado Client Assessment Record (CCAR), a multi-dimensional checklist and Level-of-Functioning (LOF) measure. The CCAR is used by the Colorado Division of Mental Health for needs assessment, defining target groups, estimating bed need and doing cost-effectiveness studies. An underlying structure consisting of seven independent scales has recently been established using factor-analytic methods. A rater effect was also discovered and mathematically removed, revealing reliable and valid LOF information heretofore unknown. The improved CCAR will hasten implementation of Colorado's long-range plan for treatment outcome assessment.
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Ellis, R.H., Wilson, N.Z. & Foster, F.M. Statewide treatment outcome assessment in Colorado: The Colorado Client Assessment Record (CCAR). Community Ment Health J 20, 72–89 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00754105
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00754105