Measuring changes in client-level treatment process in the therapeutic community (TC) with the Dimensions of Change Instrument (DCI)

The Dimensions of Change Instrument ( DCI) measures treatment process in residential therapeutic community ( TC) settings. It summarizes eight factors of treatment process from a client perspective. We present evidence of the reliability of the DCI for assessing both adult ( N 519) and adolescent ( N 474) client perceptions of treatment process. The DCI factors significantly increase over time, with increases consistently seen across all DCI factors for adults. We highlight areas for future DCI modifications to broaden its applicability to adolescents. Our findings show that clinicians can use the DCI to evaluate adult client progress and target areas for improving quality of care.