Effective family-based treatments for adolescents with serious antisocial behavior

Abstract

Clinical and research overviews of family-based treatments that have been identified as effective or highly promising in the treatment of adolescent criminal behavior and substance abuse are provided. The theoretical basis, clinical approach, outcomes from clinical trials conducted by the treatment developers as well as findings from any independent clinical trials and mediation research are addressed for each treatment model. Effective family-based approaches in the treatment of delinquency include multisystemic therapy, functional family therapy, and multidimensional treatment foster care. Promising treatments for adolescent substance abuse include these aforementioned approaches as well as family behavior therapy, contingency management, brief strategic family therapy, and multidimensional family therapy. The commonalities of these models are noted, and suggestions are made for future research priorities.