Date of Award

1991

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Art

First Advisor

Patrick Openlander

Second Advisor

Ray Becvar

Third Advisor

Harry Bradley

Abstract

This study is concerned with the difficulty of assessing and treating childhood emotional disorders. One may ask, "Why is it so difficult when there is a plethora of trained professionals to treat and assess these children and their families?" The author hypothesizes that, typically, these families see many professionals in their search for help, but the path becomes cluttered with different diagnoses, labels and a lack of congruence in making all the pieces of the puzzle fit for the child and family. Often, a family needs not only psychological help, but medical and educational assistance through the mental health system within the state the family resides. Families seek help at different stages of crisis, adding to the troublesome task of diagnosis and treatment. A multi-disciplinary approach is proposed, implementing necessary team members aiding the distressed family in picking up the puzzle pieces and arranging them into a possible solution with consistency and professional competency.

The proposed methodology employed in this exploratory study was a combination of careful study of relevant literature and the author's personal experience. The study proposes a multidimensional treatment team combining appropriate tests and interviews as the proper vehicle for screening and treatment of families.

The intent of this project was two-fold: first, to describe the difficulty in assessing troubled children and their families via personal experience and scholarship; secondly, to describe implementation of a multi-dimensional treatment team which would accomplish the following: (I) avoiding unnecessary out-of-home placements; (2) promoting fewer and shorter hospitalizations of child; and (3) decreasing peripheral psychological and medical difficulties of family members.

The purpose of this project was of a practical nature. It is hoped that the referenced material and personal experience may be helpful to educators, clinicians and families in pain and turmoil.

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