It’s been a while since we here at SBH have shared or posted anything, and this one is too important NOT to share.

First, here’s the link, go see for yourself: http://psycnet.apa.org/psycinfo/2015-34225-001/

As many of us know, Article 31 clinics in New York state are having a hard time. The transition to managed care has raised a lot of questions regarding treatment length, paperwork, and scheduling. Concurrent documentation, the process of creating documentation in real time with the client, has been both upheld as an effective form of treatment collaboration and time-saving, as well as reviled as a cheap(er) way to schedule more billable sessions.

Here’s the rub: there isn’t much research to back up either argument. However, an important addition has been added to this debate.

Rosen, Nakash, and Alegria video recorded 104 intakes in the northeast and measured (coded) the therapeutic alliance as documented in the video. The quality of the observer-rated working alliance and client’s continuance in care were significantly lower in intakes in which the therapist used a computer during the session.

We’ll continue to watch as this body of research grows.