Worlds Apart: What Works in Adolescent Treatment and Why

Sometimes adolescents seem to come from an entirely different world, and in some regards, they do! There has been a wealth of recent discoveries about adolescent development, connection, and learning. Unfortunately, there is frequently a disconnect between what we know works best with adolescents and the treatment modalities we use when working with them. This session reviews recent research and discoveries and explores how to best apply that knowledge to treat adolescents with a strong emphasis on practical application.

6 Credit Hours

Open to Addictions Counselors, Rehabilitation Counselors, Social Workers, Other Health Care or Treatment Providers and Prevention Specialists.

Objectives:

• Identify the fundamental developmental task of adolescence, why knowing this task matters, and how to leverage it effectively in prevention, intervention, and treatment.
• Verbalize the vulnerabilities particular to adolescent development related to substance use and behaviors.
• Articulate an understanding of the role of family, support systems, and traditional and social media in adolescence and how to help build support for the adolescents we serve.
• List three considerations in structuring sessions, engaging, and working with adolescents effectively.