In recent years a dizzying array of programs has emerged to meet the
needs of struggling teens and their families-wilderness therapy
programs, therapeutic boarding schools, alternative schools, mentoring
and court diversion programs, independent living programs, and myriad
day treatment and partial hospitalization services. Yet not all of these
offerings employ mental health professionals or follow evidence-based
treatment protocols. Some programs are licensed and accredited, but many
are not, and some use techniques that are highly controversial, even
abusive, resulting in injury and accidental death.
Frederic G. Reamer and Deborah H. Siegel have written the first
scholarly book on this influential and controversial industry. They
begin with a time line of Americans' changing attitudes toward
challenging teens and the programs and schools established to handle
this population. Then they summarize reputable organizations, including
a selection of community-based and residential programs and schools, and
provide brief descriptions of typical services. The authors candidly
discuss a number of troubling scandals and tragedies, exposing the
tragic consequences of emotionally and physically abusive practices, and
recommend a range of empirically sound interventions for the clinical
challenges of adolescent depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety,
oppositional behavior, eating disorders, and
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The authors conclude with a
blueprint for reform and twenty "best practice" principles relating to
harm prevention, program-based discipline, industry regulation, quality
assurance, parental involvement, staff education, and after-care
services.
