Criteria for selecting treatment interventions with adolescents

In contrast to the current trend in clinical settings of dispensing with the diagnostic process, the view advanced in this essay is that assessment constitutes the basis for prognosis and for planning any, and all treatment interventions. The reader is offered a spectrum of treatment modalities, specifically, psychoanalysis, individual, family, group, and hospitalization. The discussion delineates the therapeutic needs in accord with the adolescent's depth of disturbance and age (e.g., early, middle, or late adolescence). Too frequently, adolescents of all ages are viewed as a homogeneous group. Individual therapy, the intervention most suitable for the largest range of adolescents, is presented in detail.is the author of several books, includingClinical Work with Children. She maintains a parttime private practice at 225 W. 88th St. New York, NY 10024.