Final answer:
By the 1990s, psychotherapy research showed that various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy, were effective for treating mental health conditions, potentially as effective as medication. The focus on evidence-based practice emphasized using research-backed treatments, guided by clinical experience and patient values. This period also reflected society's broader movements for change and reform in mental health systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
By the 1990s, psychotherapy research had expanded significantly, exploring the efficacy of various therapeutic approaches. Research demonstrated that psychotherapy was generally effective for a wide range of psychological issues. Notably, studies compared the effectiveness of psychotherapy to that of antidepressant medication in treating depression and anxiety disorders. A meta-analysis indicated that psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy, could be as effective as medication, and the effects might be longer lasting.
In addition to showcasing the effectiveness of psychotherapy for mental health conditions, research highlighted the influence of client-centered therapeutic approaches developed by Rogers and the positive outcomes associated with group psychotherapy in settings such as schools. Moreover, the work of Freud and Rogers had left a lasting impact on the therapeutic techniques and their continued development, taking into account both psychological and social dimensions of mental health.
The 1990s also saw an increased focus on evidence-based practice, which emphasized the integration of the best available research with clinical expertise and patient values. This approach led to a greater scrutiny of therapies and an emphasis on treatments proven to be effective through research. Societal reforms, the legacy of certain movements for social change, and the evolution of the mental health systems also provided a context within which psychotherapy practices were examined and updated.