Walk-In Single-Session Therapy: Client Satisfaction and Clinical Outcomes

The South Calgary Health Centre Mental Health Walk-In service offers sing-lesession therapy (SST) to clients. This study was designed to measure client satisfaction and clinical outcomes of walk-in SST (clients aged 18–80 years). Participants (N = 98) completed measures (Distress Thermometer, Snyder State Hope Scale, Problem Evaluation Summary, Service Satisfaction Survey) at pre-session, post-session, and 1-month follow-up. Participants endorsed high satisfaction with the service, with 44% reporting that one session is enough. Results suggest a significant decrease in distress level (p < .001) and a significant increase in hopefulness post-session (p < .001) with increased improvements at 1-month follow-up (p < .001). Also noted were a significant decrease in problem severity (p < .001) and a significant improvement in coping at 1-month follow-up (p < .001). The findings suggest that an individual's decline in problem severity at time 3 is best explained by the pathways created during the session as well as his or her improved coping and decreased distress level at follow-up. The study provides support for this type of treatment.