Clinical Applications of Evidence-Based Family Interventions

Families today often face a range of urgent problems, and practitioners need to intervene with the most effective methods possible, methods which have been tested and that have proven clinical utility. Mental health service delivery systems are increasingly moving toward these empirically-validated approaches, and practitioners need guidelines as to how such treatments may be implemented in daily practice. Evidence-Based Family Interventions reviews the empirically validated treatments that are relevant for family practice in the social work setting. Jacqueline Corcoran, a social work professor with extensive experience in varied settings, addresses some of the most prevalent areas of sexual abuse, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct problems, substance abuse, and depression. Within each area, Corcoran presents evidence-based approaches, including psychoeducation, behavioral parent training, solution-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral treatment, structural family therapy, and multisystemic treatment. For each problem area, a detailed case study provides step-by-step guidelines on how the empirically validated theory can be applied in practice. This volume offers the type of reader-friendly application of family treatment theory most needed by practitioners. It is an essential guide for caseworkers and clinicians involved in child welfare, family preservation, juvenile justice, and family mental health counseling and guidance.

Review :
"This book is further proof of the professional maturation of the human services, reflecting the integration of clinical judgement and practice wisdom with the findings of empirical research on the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions. This is a terrific new work that could readily be used as a primary advanced graduate textbook for social workers, psychologists, counselors, and marriage and family therapists. It will also prove invaluable for established practitioners in these fields."--Bruce A. Thyer, Ph.D., LCSW, Dean, School of Social Work, Florida State University, and Editor-in-Chief, Research on Social Work Practice "Corcoran distills evidence-based treatment principles with practical application--a perfect combination for enhancing the effectiveness of students and seasoned practitioners. This well-crafted book goes beyond traditional descriptions of practice and theory to illustrate in detail guidelines for implementing evidence-based practice."--Craig Winston LeCroy, Ph.D., Professor, School of Social Work, Arizona State University, and Author, Empowering Adolescent Girls and Handbook of Child and Adolescent Treatment Manuals