Adolescents’ and mental health workers’ perceptions of helpfulness in a residential treatment setting

This study examined adolescents’ and mental health workers’ (MHWs) perceptions of helpfulness on 16 therapeutic components and services. Adolescent and MHWs ratings of helpfulness were examined across four key dimensions: (1) treatment structure, (2) formal relationship interventions (e.g., individual psychotherapy, group therapy), (3) informal relationships, and (4) prior treatment placements. Both adolescents and MHWs rated residential care as highly valuable and important in accomplishing therapeutic goals. Formalized relationship interventions as well as informal relationships were perceived as very helpful. MANOVA results also revealed some group differences on dimensions of residential care, which include elements of the treat-ment structure, formal relationship interventions, and prior treatment placements. Practical implications and priorities for future research are presented.