Accentuate the positive: Strengths-based therapy for adolescents

Eunice Yuen*, Julie Sadhu, Cynthia Pfeffer, Barry Sarvet, R. Susan Daily, Jonathan Dowben, Kamilah Jackson, John Schowalter, Theodore Shapiro, Dorothy Stubbe

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: The field of psychiatry has conventionally employed a medical model in which mental health disorders are diagnosed and treated. However, the evidence is amassing that using a strengths-based approach that promotes wellness by engaging the patient’s assets and interests may work in synergy with the medical model to promote recovery. This harmonizes with the patient-centered care model that has been promoted by the Institute of Medicine. Methods: The article uses a clinical case to highlight the attributes of a strength-based model in the psychiatric treatment of adolescents. Results: Outcome metrics from a number of studies have demonstrated enhanced youth and parent satisfaction and decreased use of hospital level of care with the implementation of strengths-based therapeutic modalities. Implications: Incorporating strengths-based interventions into conventional psychiatric practice provides a multi-faceted treatment approach that promotes recovery in children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)166-171
Number of pages6
JournalAdolescent Psychiatry
Volume10
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Adolescent psychiatry
  • Health promotion
  • Patient-centered care
  • Positive psychology
  • Strengths-based

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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