Short-Term Group Therapy with Depressed Adolescents

Abstract

Group therapy has frequently been recommended as a treatment modal- for adolescents. This is because peers are so important in determining adolescent values, behaviors, and perceptions, all of which facilitate successful separation from the family and the achievement of an autonomous identity. In recent years there have been descriptions of this form of therapy including systematic reviews of the literature (Azima & Richmond, 1989) and empirical investigations of treatment efficacy (Kolvin et al., 1981; Pliens et al., 1987; Reynolds & Coats, 1986). There have also been discussions of the indications for short-term group therapy (Klein, 1985; Poey, 1985). Garvin (1990) has suggested that brief therapy may encourage a more intensive effort on the part of the client but requires a more active role and broader repertoire on the part of the therapist.