Selection Criteria for Family Therapy

Abstract

The patient selection criteria for most modalities of psychotherapy have not yet been clearly articulated. This paper presents a decision-tree model outlining the factors that incline a clinician to perform a family evaluation, then to decide upon family treatment instead of another form of therapy, and finally to settle upon the particular duration and intensity of family treatment. We have compiled screening criteria, based on research and clinical opinion, to be applied in the utilization review of the decisions made at each of these steps. This method can be used to evaluate the appropriateness of care and render decision-making explicit and accountable; it may also have considerable value in training and research.

A Self-Help Model for Working With Black Women of Alcoholic Parents

“…Yet, Lawson, Peterson and Lawson (1983) predicted that individual treatment will probably not produce results in an alcoholic family. Their findings have been confirmed by Clarken, Frances and Moodie (1979) whose work led them to conclude that the individual's problem made a significant contribution to the problems within the family system.…”

Sexual Assault: The Female Victim, Her Male Partner, and Their Relationship

“…This view, however, focuses on only the sexual complication after the rape. Clarklin, Frances, and Moodie (1979) indicated that in choosing between marital and sex therapy as a mode of treatment, marital therapy is suggested if sexuality is one of many issues in the couple's dysfunction. Therefore, it may be more advisable to explore other problems resulting from the rape or issues that were present beforehand but magnified because of the assault.…”

“…The type of mental health services she chooses depends on her personality, her situation, and how early and completely she has experienced the first two stages of recovery. Therefore, if the issue is one of sexual dissatisfaction, a marital issue serious enough to jeopardize her relationship, partner evaluation should be considered (Clarklin, Frances, & Moodie, 1979). Whiston (1981), however, suggests that even before couple counseling is considered, there should be an evaluation of what it means to maintain a relationship.…”

Engaging the Severely Dysfunctional Family in Treatment: Basic Considerations

“…Clarkin et al . (5) attempted to identify selection criteria for family therapy, ruling out family therapy when the patient's symptoms are rooted firmly in intrapsychic conflict that transcends the particulars of current family interaction. In a related vein, Lansky (23) and others (16, 36) discussed whether family treatment is appropriate for severe psychopathology.…”

“…Keith (20) and Halleck (16), among others (6,19), noted that when the identified patient's symptoms are severe enough to warrant hospitalization, the therapist runs the risk of reinforcing the sick role of the hospitalized member. Clarkin et al (5) attempted to identify selection criteria for family therapy, ruling out family therapy when the patient's symptoms are rooted firmly in intrapsychic conflict that transcends the particulars of current family interaction. In a related vein, Lansky (23) and others (16,36) discussed whether family treatment is appropriate for severe psychopathology.…”