Individual therapy attrition rates in a low-intensity service: a comparison of cognitive behavioural and person-centred therapies and the impact of deprivation.

Background: This paper looks at attrition in relation to deprivation and type of therapy - CBT or person-centred counselling.

Method: Case notes of all those referred in a 4-month period (n = 497) were assessed for those who failed to opt-in; those who opted-in but failed to attend first appointment and those who attended first appointment but subsequently dropped-out.

Results: Significant numbers failed to opt-in, attend first appointment or dropped out during therapy.