This book is a nicely written and concise work that discusses inpatient and residential treatment of mentally ill adolescents and children. Specifically, it focuses on issues regarding history of inpatient and residential treatment in various areas as well as reviewing, usually chronologically, the literature available on these subjects. It organizes this discussion in a manner that is simple, logical, and easy to follow. Additionally, it provides an appendix that is a quite useful reference for a number of areas important to treating pediatric psychiatric populations and their families. According to the authors, the purpose is to present a historical and chronological view of the field of residential and inpatient treatment of adolescents and children. This objective, which is certainly met, would provide a reasonable background for one interested in the treatment of children and adolescents. Although it meets its goal of presenting a historical picture, it seems of little practical value to present inpatient or residential clinicians. It is, however, a fine foundation for new clinicians or treatment providers moving into the areas of inpatient or residential treatment. The authors identify their audience as clinicians and academics. I think the information relayed in this book would be particularly useful and rewarding to new clinicians, however. It is a very interesting and useful review of important studies in this field, and it identifies and discusses areas of relative lack of research in some areas. It might be particularly well suited to academicians thinking of developing research in the delivery and state of inpatient and residential treatment of children. Thispublication has no illustrations or charts. It certainly seems that there are areas discussed in this book that could be enhanced with an appropriate chart or illustration. The review of literature seems quite extensive historically. Important landmark studies from the past several decades are cited. It does, however, seem to have a paucity of more recent literature, particularly in the increasingly important areas involving utilization of services in this era of managed care and how the economics of medicine have changed and modified inpatient and residential care over the years. I found the appendix quite useful as a reference resource. I think this book would make a wonderful addition to the library of any clinician and/or academic interested in the treatment of adolescents or children. It is an interesting and informative review of some important historical understandings of inpatient and residential treatment. However, I found myself wanting more practical information for a more experienced clinician. In addition, I think that more information on specialized inpatient or residential treatment of substance abusing adolescents is necessary. However, I would certainly recommend this book to one who is interested in this field.
Assesses current therapeutic models and inpatient/residential treatment options, reviewing the findings of published program evaluations and discussing alternatives to residential placement. A resources sections lists contacts for US treatment centers, professional organizations, journals, therapeutic materials, assessment materials, self-help organizations, and legal assistance. For professionals and students in psychology and social work, as well as parents. Paper edition (unseen), $17.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Reviewer: Thomas E. Wright, MD (Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine)
Description: This book is a nicely written and concise work that discusses inpatient and residential treatment of mentally ill adolescents and children. Specifically, it focuses on issues regarding history of inpatient and residential treatment in various areas as well as reviewing, usually chronologically, the literature available on these subjects. It organizes this discussion in a manner that is simple, logical, and easy to follow. Additionally, it provides an appendix that is a quite useful reference for a number of areas important to treating pediatric psychiatric populations and their families.
Purpose: According to the authors, the purpose is to present a historical and chronological view of the field of residential and inpatient treatment of adolescents and children. This objective, which is certainly met, would provide a reasonable background for one interested in the treatment of children and adolescents. Although it meets its goal of presenting a historical picture, it seems of little practical value to present inpatient or residential clinicians. It is, however, a fine foundation for new clinicians or treatment providers moving into the areas of inpatient or residential treatment.
Audience: The authors identify their audience as clinicians and academics. I think the information relayed in this book would be particularly useful and rewarding to new clinicians, however. It is a very interesting and useful review of important studies in this field, and it identifies and discusses areas of relative lack of research in some areas. It might be particularly well suited to academicians thinking of developing research in the delivery and state of inpatient and residential treatment of children.
Features: This publication has no illustrations or charts. It certainly seems that there are areas discussed in this book that could be enhanced with an appropriate chart or illustration. The review of literature seems quite extensive historically. Important landmark studies from the past several decades are cited. It does, however, seem to have a paucity of more recent literature, particularly in the increasingly important areas involving utilization of services in this era of managed care and how the economics of medicine have changed and modified inpatient and residential care over the years. I found the appendix quite useful as a reference resource.
Assessment: I think this book would make a wonderful addition to the library of any clinician and/or academic interested in the treatment of adolescents or children. It is an interesting and informative review of some important historical understandings of inpatient and residential treatment. However, I found myself wanting more practical information for a more experienced clinician. In addition, I think that more information on specialized inpatient or residential treatment of substance abusing adolescents is necessary. However, I would certainly recommend this book to one who is interested in this field.
