Treatment Outcome in an Adolescent Day Treatment Center: Eleos Deeltijd Behandeling

Abstract

This paper reviews the effectiveness of a day treatment center, Eleos Deeltijd Behandeling in the Netherlands. Participants (n=43) were diagnosed with severe emotional, behavioural, or developmental disorders and were aged between 13 and 18 years. Participants received either interpersonal therapy or behavioural therapy. It is proposed that the interaction between the applied technique and the safe therapeutic milieu will result in positive change in psychological and general wellbeing. Assessment tools included the Youth Self Report, Child Behaviour Checklist, Global Assessment of Functioning scores and a general wellbeing questionnaire. The instruments were administered at admission, discharge and within five years thereafter. The research findings support that the Eleos Deeltijd Behandeling is successful in treating adolescents. Participants of both therapeutic methods reported improved personal wellbeing and the therapists reported an advancements in general functioning at discharge and maintained even five years later.