The work of the psychologist on dual pathology in juvenile offenders

Abstract

We analyzed the work of psychologists on treatment of juvenile offenders with dual pathology who were treated at Ambulatory Method in Free Milieu Treatment Programs. This was a quantitative- interpretative study based on grounded theory. In-depth interviews were carried out with four psychologists, a director, a psychiatrist, a user and a family member. In addition, a focus group was carried out on four social workers and three rehabilitation technicians. The dual patient was mainly perceived as: aggressive, impulsive and disruptive, where compensation was considered as a central axis of the treatment. Psychologists defined objectives that went beyond the stabilization of the patient, connecting with his/her vulnerability and trying to promote his/her social reintegration.