Implementing evidence-based psychotherapies for children and adolescents within complex mental health systems
Chapter by: Hoagwood, Kimberly Eaton; Peth-Pierce, Robin; Glaeser, Elizabeth; Whitmyre, Emma; Shorter, Priscilla; Vardanian, Maria Michelle
in: Evidence-based psychotherapies for children and adolescents by Weisz, John R [Ed]; Kazdin, Alan E [Ed]
New York, NY, US: Guilford Press, 2018
pp. 466-483
ISBN: 978-1-4625-2269-9
CID: 3155642
Animal-Assisted Therapies for Youth with or at risk for Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review
Hoagwood, Kimberly Eaton; Acri, Mary; Morrissey, Meghan; Peth-Pierce, Robin
To systematically review experimental evidence about animal-assisted therapies (AAT) for children or adolescents with or at risk for mental health conditions, we reviewed all experimental AAT studies published between 2000-2015, and compared studies by animal type, intervention, and outcomes. METHODS: Studies were included if used therapeutically for children and adolescents (=21 years) with or at risk for a mental health problem; used random assignment or a waitlist comparison/control group; and included child-specific outcome data. Of 1,535 studies, 24 met inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Of 24 studies identified, almost half were randomized controlled trials, with 9 of 11 published in the past two years. The largest group addresses equine therapies for autism. CONCLUSION: Findings are generally promising for positive effects associated with equine therapies for autism and canine therapies for childhood trauma. The AAT research base is slim; a more focused research agenda is outlined.
PMCID:5546745
PMID: 28798541
ISSN: 1088-8691
CID: 2664182