In mental health care, tracking progress can be challenging. Unlike physical health, where tools like thermometers or lab tests provide clear metrics, mental wellness is often difficult to measure. But that’s changing.
An increasing number of mental health providers are turning to measurement-based care (MBC) to bridge this gap. The innovative approach enhances outcomes for clients, empowers clinicians, and strengthens the overall mental health system.
For nearly two years, CGC has been providing measurement-based care with Greenspace Health in our Full Service Schools (FSS) and Community Action Team (CAT) programs. And thanks to a generous $10,000 grant from Sunshine Health, we are now excited to expand MBC across all of our clinical programs.
What Is Measurement-Based Care?
Measurement-based care is the structured use of validated assessments to regularly evaluate a client’s symptoms, treatment progress, and outcomes. Instruments like the PHQ-9 (for depression) and GAD-7 (for anxiety) are administered at regular intervals throughout treatment. These assessments are sent to clients and caregivers through convenient email or text links, which allow assessment data to be collected quickly and easily.
Clinicians use this data to personalize care, adjust interventions, and engage clients in their own progress. MBC brings objectivity to a field that is deeply personal and often subjective.
Why It Matters
Mental health symptoms can shift quickly and sometimes subtly. Without regular measurement, these changes can go unnoticed. MBC enables clinicians to:
- Track progress over time
- Identify what’s working (and what’s not)
- Intervene early when needed
- Provide better care for clients
Our FSS programs have delivered amazing results, with our clients recovering from anxiety symptoms at a rate 40% higher than the U.S. national average. Additionally, clients struggling with depression recovered at rates 25% higher than the national average.
Beyond these outcomes, the programs also enhance the therapeutic alliance. When clients see their progress reflected in data, they feel heard, validated, and more engaged in their care.
At its core, measurement-based care is about listening more deeply—not just with clinical intuition, but with data that reveals the full picture. When used thoughtfully, MBC enhances relationships, improves outcomes, and brings a new level of precision to mental health care.
At CGC, we are committed to delivering care that goes beyond expectations—care that is informed, deeply personalized, and driven by real data. With measurement-based care, and through the support of Greenspace Health, we are redefining what exceptional care looks like.