Treatment Outcomes across Profiles of Adolescent Systems Involvement

• In Event: Learning Effective Approaches to Intervention: Examining the Impact of Behavioral Health Interventions on Adolescent Conduct Problems

Abstract

Roughly half of all adolescents seeking mental health treatment are involved in multiple systems (e.g., juvenile justice and child welfare systems). Of these youth, a majority have unmet treatment needs due to lack of integrated care across systems. This study provides support for an integrated approach to adolescent care by demonstrating that there are distinct patterns of multiple systems involvement associated with different responses to mental health treatment. Our sample was composed of 433 high-risk urban adolescents who were screened for eligibility into this study. Using latent class analysis, we identified four profiles that best described patterns of adolescent systems involvement: Education (Academic and Disciplinary), Education (Academic Only), Legal/Juvenile Justice, and Multiple Systems/Child Welfare. Using latent growth curve modeling, we then found that adolescents from the Multiple Systems/Child Welfare profile had the least overall decrease in externalizing behaviors but showed steeper declines in these behaviors at later follow-up periods. These adolescents may need to attend therapy for longer than one year in order to see significant improvements. They might also benefit more from integrated treatments that fully address their multiple treatment needs. Future research will examine which types of therapy are most effective for treating adolescents from each profile.

Authors

• Jennifer Fabian, Sam Houston State University

• Craig Henderson, Sam Houston State University

• Sarah Mary Dauber, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse

• Aaron T. Hogue, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse