Using Relationship Enhancement Therapy with an Adolescent with Serious Mental Illness and Substance Dependence

Relationship Enhancement" (RE) therapy can be a useful intervention for adolescents with serious mental illness and their family members.The authors review the basic concepts and effectiveness of RE therapy and illustrate how it is implemented. Following 18 hours of RE therapy, a family--consisting of a mother, a father, and a son with serious mental illness and substance dependence-exhibited the ability to communicate and solve problems effectively. A discussion of the implications of this case example for research and mental health counseling are also included.