Patient and Family Treatment Outcomes
New Horizons measures its results by obtaining parent-rated scores both before and after treatment on the Youth Outcomes Questionnaire (YO-Q 2.1; a measure of symptoms and behavior) and the Child & Adolescent Family Functioning Inventory (CAFFI; a measure of how well families communicate, solve problems together,
feel close and connected, and more). We also collect data on how satisfied parents are with treatment.
Outcomes
Both the YO-Q 2.1 and the CAFFI produce a Total Score as well as individual subscale scores, all of which would be expected to improve (be reduced) between the start of treatment and the end.
We perform two statistical tests to determine if the average decrease in scores is more than what would be expected by chance (statistical significance using a paired-samples t - test) and how large the treatment effect is (as measured Cohen's d).
Here's the bottom line:
The kids who complete IFFT show substantial clinical improvement: Significant reductions in mental health symptoms and problem behaviors, and far better communication and closeness with family members.
Youth Outcomes Questionnaire
Version 2.1
The above graph shows for the 35 most recent families that completed treatment, the average patient (child) YO-Q Total Score at the start of treatment was 105, which is much higher than the average score for kids in outpatient programs (78.7). That’s not unexpected given that the kids we treat generally have long-standing, serious challenges. By the end of treatment, the average score dropped to only 41. Note the YO-Q has a clinical cutoff of 47, meaning that an average score of 41 is below the cutoff and indicates a lack of clinical distress. The Total Score was reduced on average to a high degree of statistical significance (p < .0001) and with an extremely large treatment effect (d = 2.28).
The YO-Q also has five subscales (Emotional Distress, Relationship Problems (with parents and peers), Social Problems, Behavioral Challenges, and Critical Items (e.g. self-harm, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, psychosis, etc.). Each of these scores was also reduced on average to a high degree of statistical significance (p < .0001) and all with an extremely large treatment effects.
Child and Adolescent Family Functioning Inventory
For the 35 most recent families who completed treatment, the average CAFFI Total Score at the time treatment began was 90 (almost twice that of families who do not have a child with a mental health condition), and by the end of treatment the average score dropped to just 50. The Total Score was reduced on average to a point of high statistical significance (p < .0001) and with an extremely large treatment effect d = 2.7). Note the Total Score on the CAFFI for families that aren’t in clinical distress is 50.0 or less, so on average after IFFT most families were no longer experiencing clinical distress.
The CAFFI also has subscales (Ability to Solve Problems, Managing Stress and Conflict, Closeness and Connection, and Effective Communication). Each of these scores was also reduced on average to a high degree of statistical significance
(p < .0001) and all with a extremely large treatment effects.
Case Example:
Patient X
This is an example of a neurodivergent 9-year-old boy who was prone to severe emotional dysregulation (tantrums) with a highly demand-avoidant (PDA-type), oppositional profile.
Every dot on this chart is one day in the life of this child and his family.
We ask parents to keep a daily record of how well their child is doing on a 1- 10 scale, with higher scores indicating better mood and behavior.
Every dot on this chart is one day in the life of a struggling child and family.
Over six months of Intensive Family-Focused Therapy, this boy’s daily mood and behavior ratings climbed from frequent 2s–4s to consistent 8s–10s. The lower scores, the 2s and 3s, are days in which he had a serious upset. Note how those stopped altogether around
the three-month mark.
In our program, we don’t just work with the child in isolation—we coach parents intensively, restructure family patterns, and track progress every single day so we can adjust in real time.
The result is fewer meltdowns, better cooperation, a much happier child, and a calmer home for everyone.
Overall Family Satisfaction
New Horizons Child and Family Institute asks families to periodically evaluate our work in order for us to know if we are on the right track and meeting their needs.
The above graph shows responses to the statement, "Overall, I am satisfied with the services my family and I are receiving" (175 of the most recent responses in total). As can be seen, 97.6% of our families indicated that statement is either completely true (83.2%), or very true (14.4%).
