Investigating Family Therapy with Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods in Adolescent Residential Treatment Programs

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of research methods that are available for use in such settings and how these methods can be applied to strengthen the place of family therapy in residential treatment. This broad discussion also provides a prelude to the next three chapters of the book, which give detailed examples of some of the methods discussed here. It is hoped that after reading these four chapters together those new to conducting research in this field will feel more empowered to do so, as well as obtain some of the practical knowledge that will be needed to be successful in such endeavors. Within the field of residential care for adolescents there are two areas that require concerted research focus. The first is the clinical aspect of the work, meaning the treatment that is delivered to the adolescents. The second aspect is the financial aspect, which concerns the costs and benefits of providing this type of treatment. Accordingly, the discussion of methods below will be broken down by aspect where possible. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)