Patient-Therapist Mismatch: We Would Rather Switch Than Fight

The authors studied 21 psychiatric outpatients who were granted a change in therapist at their request. The study sample did not differ signtficantly from other outpatients in demographic characteristics or diagnosis. Results indicated that the great majority of requests for a change in therapists resultedfrom patient-therapist mismatch, and the majority of patients who changed therapists remained in treatment with the new therapist and reported being satisfied with the change. The authors believe that a flexible policy regarding changes in therapists will enhance treatment effectiveness, and they offer suggestions on how to manage transfers.