Understanding treatment: Principles and approaches

Professionals who provide services to adolescents have a responsibility to remain current about effective treatments and basic research on adolescent development. At minimum, those providing treatment to adolescents should understand aspects of adolescent development that influence presenting problems and interventions. In particular, treatment providers should strongly advocate for psychotherapy, recognize which therapies are effective for particular problems, and coordinate closely with other professionals, especially if clients are prescribed medications. Professionals should also cultivate sensitivity to diversity.