The use of contracts in psychotherapy is presented as a way of helping to address questions regarding the ‘cost effectiveness’ of psychotherapy. Contracts are also shown to be of value in protecting the client, increasing therapist's accountability, and enhancing the researcher's capability of conducting investigations on the effectiveness of therapeutic procedures. Difficulties in writing highly specific contracts for clients' vague complaints are pointed out and a parallel is drawn between the process of contracting and certain aspects of the peer review system which is being supported by the American Psychological Association.
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