At Auburn Psychological Wellness Center (APWC), we value an evidence-based practice approach to mental health treatment. Evidence-based practice involves the integration of three primary factors:
- The best available research on what makes mental health treatment effective.
- Clinical expertise developed through intentional improvement of skills.
- Consideration of the client’s characteristics, culture, values, and preferences for their treatment.
Best Available Research
There is a wealth of research that shows therapy and psychiatry to be effective. The research also shows that no single method treatment is the best for everyone. Instead, science has evolved to examine what types of treatments work best for whom and in what contexts. At the same time, one aspect that is clear from the research is that the therapeutic relationship is a key ingredient to successful mental health treatment. Having agreement between the client and provider on the methods used to meet mutually-agreed upon goals also predicts good outcomes.
What this research means is that finding the right provider fit is so important. One provider will be a great fit for some clients, but not for others. And one approach to treatment will be exactly what some clients need, but will miss the mark for others. If you have tried mental health services in the past and concluded it wasn’t you, we encourage you to try again with a different provider. If you are currently working with a provider but you unsure about their current treatment methods, we encourage you to talk directly with your provider about what you want and need in your mental health treatment.
Our evidence-based providers at APWC stay up-to-date on the latest research to inform their practice. In addition, we have several providers who are actively involved in conducting new research. This includes research on counseling effectiveness and on use of medication to treat mental health concerns. Our scientist-practitioners also examine multicultural aspects of mental health care.
Clinical Expertise
Providing effective mental health services is a skill developed through intentional practice. Counselors and psychiatry providers need to be competent in skills such as:
- assessing the problems that bring clients to treatment;
- forming a therapeutic relationship;
- designing a treatment plan with clear rationale;
- using clinical decision making to respond to changing needs and circumstances;
- integrating research evidence with each client’s unique characteristics to create tailored interventions.
Our evidence-based practitioners continue to develop their clinical expertise through continuing education, self-reflection, consultation, and deliberate practice. We view learning as a life-long process, with continued striving toward improvement.
Considering You – The Client
You are an important part of treatment! Mental health care is most effective when providers consider the client’s specific concerns, strengths, personality, and preferences. Evidence-based care is also culturally responsive, considering clients’ social context, cultural identities, and values.
We will use your specific goals and expectations about treatment to guide treatment planning. There are many effective ways to deliver mental health care, so our goal is to prioritize client choice among effective treatment options. Although evidence-based providers bring in their own clinical expertise, they will work alongside you–with you as an active participant in the treatment process.
Mental Health Treatment in Auburn
At Auburn Psychological Wellness Center, we offer psychiatry, counseling, and psychological assessment services. Review our provider profiles to find someone who might be a good fit for your goals and preferences. You can contact us at 334.219.0425 to schedule an appointment. We serve clients in the Auburn-Opelika and surrounding Alabama communities. For clients in other parts of Alabama, we can also provide telehealth (video) appointments for some services.