Comprehensive Care in an Adolescent Clinic

Abstract

A plan for the establishment and operation of an Adolescent Clinic at The Jewish Hospital of Brooklyn, staffed by part-time physicians, using the skills of trained psychiatric social workers, utilizing group therapy in the treatment program, and directly involving the patient's family in the therapeutic regimen is here described. In this clinic, experience with an integrated team approach appears to be an efficient, effective method for treatment of the adolescent. The clinic's short pe riod of operation does not yet permit the conclusion that this approach to adolescent medical and emotional needs is to be preferred, but this report may encourage other centers to inaugurate and test this type of comprehensive care for the adolescent and his family. The need is urgent.