The incorporation of published outcome data into clinical practice plays a significant role in determining appropriate treatment interventions and the efficacy of various modalities. If practitioners are willing to conduct their own outcome research, the results will enhance the quality of care for clients and improve the quality of information provided to funding sources. When simple measures of effectiveness are implemented, the demonstrated outcomes from such research can be a very effective tool for providing evidence of treatment success. To begin outcome research, counselors must have an understanding of efficacy studies and effectiveness studies. Counselors can use published efficacy studies to make initial choices about treatment interventions, and then conduct effectiveness studies on their own practice to measure the success of their treatment. The results of effectiveness studies can be useful in helping with allocation of resources and in marketing programs to community and health care organizations. (Contains 28 references.) (JDM)