The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62298

Haleh Homayounjam, PsyD, Lisa Alexandra Mirabelli, PsyD, Carla Elia, PhD, Ann M. Gerber, LCSW, and Lori J. Breeden, MMFT. USC-UAP, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 W. Sunset Blvd., Mail Stop 115, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Research in parent-child treatment highlights the role of the parent-child relationship in the development of the child’s capacity for self-regulation, and suggests that disruption in this relationship is associated with behavioral and psychoemotional difficulties in children. Research and theory in this area posit the parent-child relationship as an integral focus of intervention in child mental health treatment. The Families Working Together (FWT) program was developed at a psychology training program which is part of a University Affiliated Program in southern California. The overarching philosophy of this program is that the primary caretaker plays a fundamental role in successful management and treatment of child mental health disorders. This program employs a strength-based approach that emphasizes the role of the primary caretaker in the development, implementation, and maintenance of treatment.

The FWT program defines the caretaker-child dyad as the focus of clinical attention and utilizes videotaped sessions of dyadic interaction in addition to individual child sessions and collateral caregiver sessions. The therapist provides instruction and modeling of specific interventions and uses videotaped sessions of parent-child interaction to guide the caregiver in effective implementation of these interventions. Treatment focuses on improving the child’s symptoms as well as addressing difficulties and challenges that arise for each dyad. Videotaped sessions of parent-child interaction are used to increase the parent’s self-observation and problem-solving. Thereby, the parent develops ways of optimizing the parent-child relationship as a means of enhancing the child’s self-regulatory capacity. The ultimate goal of this treatment modality is to promote long-term independent family functioning.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess current family functioning and identify the role that family interaction patterns play in maintaining the child’s mental health symptoms.
• Identify 3-5 specific child behavioral symptoms.
• Identify 3-5 specific barriers to successful child mental health treatment.
• Identify the primary caretaker(s) and describe how this relationship can be used as a vehicle for successful mental health treatment of the child.
• Develop a treatment plan which addresses specific behavioral issues in light of identified barriers and areas of strength.
• Define and implement 5-10 specific interventions which focus on the caretaker-child dyad.
• List 5-10 specific interventions that can be used as psychoeducational tools to teach parents/caretakers how to effectively manage specific child behavior issues at home.
• Assess family functioning at 6-month intervals to identify measurable improvements and identify areas for further improvement.

Keywords: Child/Adolescent Mental Health, Family Involvement

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment