Motivational Interviewing With Dually Diagnosed Adolescents in Juvenile Justice Settings

Abstract

Recent empirical investigations have gathered data regarding the rates of psychiatric comorbidity within juvenile justice populations. Data from these studies detail the prevalence of risk-taking behavior, substance abuse and dependence, posttraumatic stress disorder, and sexual risk taking. In addition to reviewing these findings, this paper explores the use of motivational interviewing (MI) with adult offenders and adolescent substance users. The efficacy of MI in these areas indicates the potential fit of MI with juvenile justice populations. Although the application of MI with this population is theoretically indicated, research is needed to garner empirical support for this application of MI. [Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 6:218–233 (2006)]