Focal Point Summer 2007

Walker, J. S., & Gowen, L. K.

This article outlines a number of effective interventions for treating underserved populations. Various approaches to handling the shortage of population–specific treatments are discussed.

Santisteban, D. A. & Mena, M. P.

This article describes a family therapy approach for treating Hispanic adolescents who face co–occurring disorders amid possible immigration– or acculturation–related stressors.

Slesnick, N. & Lechter, A.

Homeless and runaway youth face a special set of challenges that place them at greater risk for substance addiction, depression, unwanted pregnancy, HIV, and other serious problems, while simultaneously posing extra barriers to treatment. Interventions designed to better help street– and shelter–living youth receive needed care are described in this article.

Cross, T. L., Friesen, B. J., & Maher, N.

Some interventions commonly used with Native American youth and families have not been documented in any formal sense, yet are very successful in improving outcomes for youth. Some of these interventions, and a project that aims to demonstrate their effectiveness, are outlined in this article.

Mesa, B.

A youth involved with the Native American Youth and Family Center in Portland, Oregon, recounts her personal journey of reconnecting with Native American culture and discovering her own strengths as a leader.

Diamond, G. M., Jurgensen, E., & White, K.

Because of discrimination, rejection, and other societal/familial pressures, gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth are twice as likely to make a suicide attempt or experience suicidal ideation as their heterosexual peers. This article highlights a program that aims to improve the parent–adolescent relationship to provide emotional support for these youth.

Pryce, J. M., Kelly, M. S., & Keller, T.

Mentoring can be very effective in helping youth achieve positive outcomes, but the mentoring relationship must be tailored to the individual needs of each young person. This article details specific steps that can help ensure the success of the mentoring relationship and the mentoring program as a whole.

Nelson, E.

This article describes how telemental health, a method of providing live mental health services via a video–based internet connection, has been implemented in rural schools. This approach has been found to be cost–effective and clinically equivalent to in–person care.

Harvey, A. R.

This article tells the story of the transformation of a foster home for African–American males from a "warehouse" for children awaiting permanent placement to a place of community and personal empowerment. By providing positive reinforcement, positive role models, and collective ceremony, the children improved their behavior, their performance in school, and their problem–solving skills.

Ida, D., & Ya, D. Y.

There are many groups and subgroups of Asian Americans, from first–generation Laotian American refugees to third–generation Japanese Americans. Each group exhibits distinct manifestations of psychological distress based on various cultural and circumstantial factors. This article suggests some methods of evaluating and treating different Asian American populations.