Assessment is multipronged and ongoing and includes practitioner, parental, and self-monitoring so that treatment is responsive to the changing needs of the client. Treatment strategically enhances engagement and retention. Treatment plans are flexible and allow for client choice and voice. An integrated treatment approach is used to address both mental health and substance-related disorders concurrently. Treatment is developmentally and culturally sensitive to match the unique needs of the client system. Treatment is ecologically grounded and systems oriented, including important individuals to the client such as family members, friends, and school personnel. Treatment taps several domains of the client's functioning to enhance the client's problem-solving and decision-making skills, affect regulation, impulse control, communication skills, and peer and family relations. Treatment is goal directed, here-and-now focused, and strength based. Treatment requires active participation by all members involved, and includes homework assignments. Interventions aim to produce sustainable changes over the course of treatment.

Note. Treatment guidelines developed by Kimberly Bender, David W. Springer, and Johnny S. Kim.