Understanding Evidence-Based Psychological Treatment and Why It Matters
Evidence-based treatment (EBT) is increasingly common within healthcare. What does it mean and why is it so important? Evidence-based treatment refers to therapeutic or medical interventions that are supported by rigorous research and have demonstrated effectiveness, ensuring that the strategies and therapies used are supported by scientific proof.
Evidence-based treatment has 3 key components: research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values and preferences. Holistically, psychological treatments are tested in controlled studies, or clinical trials to determine whether there is consistency in the produced outcomes. This evidence is constantly updated to ensure treatments evolve with new knowledge.
Furthermore, a skilled practitioner is essential to tailor interventions to your circumstances, personality, and preferences to ensure that personal experiences are integrated into the treatment given. Respect of personal values, cultural considerations, and individual goals are at the forefront of scientific treatment.
It is important to remember that what works in theory will be adjusted to suit your lifestyle and comfort level. All together, these three elements create a treatment approach that is scientifically comprehensive, practical, and personalised.
Examples of Evidenced-Based Treatment
Evidence-based treatment exists across multiple domains of healthcare. Some common examples include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Treats symptoms and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Exposure therapy: Phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which helps individuals confront and reduce fear.
Medication protocols: Chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes, where treatment plans are guided by decades of clinical research.
Why EBT is Important
There are many reasons EBT is important, especially within mental health and psychological therapy.
Firstly, it ensures the effectiveness of treatment. If treatments are supported by research and have demonstrated measurable benefits, individuals are more likely to see improvements in their circumstances. If interventions were used without evidence of success, it could waste time and resources, create harm, and potentially worsen the patients’ symptoms.
Secondly, consistency and quality of care if upheld. This ensures that patients receive high-quality treatment regardless of location, financial, or personal circumstances. Moreover, transparency between therapist and patient is achieved as explanation, outcomes and potential risks have to be explained prior to the commencement of treatment. This can empower the patient to make informed decisions about the care they receive.
Finally, having EBT allows for new research to be refined and improved continuously. The healthcare industry, with consideration towards mental health, is not static. Therefore, constantly advancing the field is vital to ensuring patients are being provided with current, effective, scientifically proven treatment to aid their current and ever-changing circumstances.
Next Steps if you are Considering Therapy
At Inner Eastern Psychology, all therapies we provide and utilise within treatment are evidence-based. If it is your first time considering therapy, it is normal to wonder what therapeutic approach is appropriate for you. A part of our initial assessment process at Inner Eastern Psychology is the careful and professional consideration of what may be most appropriate for your needs. For a list of our evidence-based treatments, see our website here.
Evidence-based psychological treatment is a fundamental principle of mental health practice. By combining research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences, evidence-based treatment increases the likelihood of positive outcome while decreasing potential risks. Most importantly, it ensures that psychological support is effective, ethical, safe, and tailored to your individual needs.
Evidence-based treatment is the epitome of science and human care coming together to help people achieve measurable improvements in their health and wellbeing, essential to ensuring clarity, confidence, and hope for both the psychologist and patient.