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“Why People Gotta be so Judgy?”: The Importance of Agency-Wide, Non-judgmental Approach to Client Care

ABSTRACT This research study explores the influence of staff behavior on treatment outcomes among individuals struggling with co-morbidities of substance use disorders (SUD), mental health issues, and trauma. Separately or collectively, these dynamics can create arduous behaviors by clients, invoking negative judgments from staff. In this mixed methods study, participants from SUD treatment facilities (n = 47) provided qualitative themes concerning perceived negative judgments by staff. Often the complexity of co-occurring clinical presentations is insufficiently understood by staff. By committing to training, supervision, meaningful appreciation of staff, and agency-wide dedication to a non-judgmental approach, substantial improvements toward complex client matters can be achieved, resulting in positive treatment outcomes. Additionally, a non-judgmental approach to clients can simultaneously produce improvements in the work environment experienced by staff. Implications for agency administrators, staff, and peer support personnel is also discussed.