Behavior therapists on child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient units
have played an increasing role in the treatment of a wide range of
disorders. Indeed, behavioral assessment and treatment strategies in
these settings have been applied to a diversity of problems, including
depression, mental retardation, autism, conduct disorders, attention-
deficit hyperactivity disorder, anorexia, and bulimia. More recently,
the heuristic value of behavioral methods with substance abuse,
pediatric pain, and child maltreatment has been documented as well.
Because of the multifaceted and complex challenges posed by children and
adoles- cents who reach inpatient units, behavioral clinicians have
worked close- ly with other professionals (e. g., psychiatrists, social
workers, psychi- atric nurses) in an effort to provide broad-spectrum,
comprehensive intervention. However, as a burgeoning body of clinical
research attests, the significant contribution of behavior therapy to
successful treatment outcome is now indisputable. Yet, surprisingly few
texts have been published concerning inpa- tient treatment of children
and adolescents. The few extant efforts in this area have not covered
the broad array of issues and diagnostic popula- tions treated, nor have
they considered the pragmatic day-to-day diffi- culties encountered by
behaviorally oriented practitioners working in child and adolescent
inpatient settings. This text is an attempt to remedy such shortcomings
by providing a comprehensive yet practical approach to the functions of
behavior therapists on inpatient psychiatric services for children and
youth.
