Evidence-Based Practice in the Prevention and Treatment of Adolescent Behavior Problems

Prevention and treatment specialists in the mental health field face some of the most difficult and pervasive of those adolescent behavior problems. The focus of this chapter is on the problems and defines evidence-based practice, evidence-based prevention, and treatment programs specifically designed to address adolescent behavior problems and the remaining barriers to developing successful treatments for this needy population. The chapter then reviews the background, current status, controversies, and future directions of evidence-based prevention and treatment programs for adolescent behavior problems. A main goal for this chapter is to help overcome some of the suspicion and reluctance of practitioners and communities to embrace programs that have potential to help with very difficult clinical problems.