Accentuate the Positive: Strengths-Based Therapy for Adolescents

• Published in: Adolescent psychiatry (Hilversum) Vol. 10; no. 3; p. 166
• Main Authors: Yuen, Eunice, Sadhu, Julie, Pfeffer, Cynthia, Sarvet, Barry, Daily, R Susan, Dowben, Jonathan, Jackson, Kamilah, Schowalter, John, Shapiro, Theodore, Stubbe, Dorothy
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United Arab Emirates 21.12.2020
• Subjects: Strengths-based; positive psychology; health promotion; patient-centered care; adolescent psychiatry
• ISSN: 2210-6766
• DOI: 10.2174/2210676610666200225105529

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. The article uses a clinical case to highlight the attributes of a strength-based model in the psychiatric treatment of adolescents. 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. Incorporating strengths-based interventions into conventional psychiatric practice provides a multi-faceted treatment approach that promotes recovery in children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders.