Evidence-Based Treatment

What is evidence-based therapy?

Evidence-based therapy means using treatment methods and interventions that have been rigorously researched and shown to be effective through numerous clinical studies.

In a world drowning in misinformation, evidence-based approaches are more important than ever. Unfortunately, the term “evidence-based therapy” is used so much that it’s in danger of becoming a cliche. Regardless, this therapeutic approach has tremendous value—particularly when it comes to treating teens.

The dangers of untested methods

Unfortunately, a growing number of therapists are using trendy therapies without waiting for rigorous clinical trials to ensure they’re safe and effective. Because most parents put a lot of stock in a professional title, they can end up agreeing to untested methods recommended to them by therapists lacking professional integrity.

An unproven therapy, however, can do irreparable psychological harm to a teen. And even if the treatment has no adverse effects, it may be ineffective, wasting money and time.

At Avery’s House, we use only evidence-based treatments.

The historical roots of evidence-based care

The term “evidence-based” became popular in the 1960s, when the evidence-based medicine movement began. At the time, there were varying opinions about which treatment approaches did and didn’t work. Practitioners needed a more scientific way to determine the efficacy of a treatment.

Before evidence-based medicine, the field depended heavily on the opinions of doctors who recommended treatments based on their personal preferences. This method, of course, was rife with problems, from unreliable guidelines about the appropriateness of a particular therapy to outright fraud.

The importance of research in therapy

Researchers can ascertain which treatments are most effective by rigorously testing therapies and tracking results over many years and across a variety of patients and conditions. Such research is invaluable for clinicians, as it helps them choose the approaches that are most likely to result in measurable progress for a specific client.

The three criteria of evidence-based therapy

Though research outcomes are the most important factor, providing evidence-based therapy involves more than just selecting a treatment approach based on the available scientific data. Here are three criteria that must be considered:

The treatments studies show are most effective for the problem
The counselor’s training and professional judgment
The values, culture, and preferences of the person seeking help

The client may not achieve the best outcome if one of these elements is missing.

The hallmarks of evidence-based therapy

Here are some signs that a treatment is evidence-based:

Targets specific issues: has been proven effective at treating specific mental health conditions (e.g., depression) rather than enhancing general well-being.
Backed by reputable organizations: is endorsed by leading mental health organizations, such as the American Psychological Association and the National Institute of Mental Health.
Backed by rigorous research: has been proven effective through published studies in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
Current with best practices: is updated as new research emerges, ensuring treatment remains supported by the latest findings.
Quantifiable results: standardized assessments before and after treatment provide clear metrics that show symptom reduction and therapy effectiveness.

Some evidence-based therapies used at Avery’s House

To personalize treatment and optimize outcomes, Avery’s House employs a variety of evidence-based therapies, including the following: