Predictors of Treatment Completion for Adolescent Males in a Mental Health Residential Program

Abstract

Although there is significant prevalence of serious emotional disturbance in adolescents, research concerning the determination of appropriate levels of care is lacking. This study examined predictors of successful treatment completion in male adolescents (n=132) who were admitted to a suburban residential treatment center during a ten year period. Data on pre-treatment client variables, family participation in treatment, and length of stay were collected on each subject. Data were collected by sequentially reviewing 132 file records of previously discharged clients. Five variables (age upon admission, family constellation, family participation, previous out-of-home placements, criminal involvement) did not predict successful treatment completion. A significant relationship was found between length of stay in residential treatment and successful treatment completion. Implications for decision-making regarding admissions to residential treatment programs and needs for future research are discussed.