Preventing Adolescent Depression

Book excerpt: Interpersonal Psychotherapy-Adolescent Skills Training (IPT-AST) is a program that teaches communication and interpersonal problem-solving skills to improve relationships and prevent the development of depression in adolescents. IPT-AST was developed to be delivered in schools and other community settings where adolescents are most likely to receive services, with the hope that IPT-AST can help prevent depression and other problem behaviors before they become more severe. Preventing Adolescent Depression: Interpersonal Psychotherapy-Adolescent Skills Training provides a detailed description of the program to guide mental health practitioners to implement IPT-AST. Session-by-session descriptions specify the structure and content of each session. Examples of how group leaders can discuss specific topics are provided throughout the book, and the appendix includes session outlines, communication notecards, cue cards, and more. Chapters also outline key issues related to implementation of IPT-AST, including selecting adolescents to participate in group; conducting IPT-AST in schools, primary care offices, mental health clinics, and other diverse settings; working with adolescents at varying levels of risk for depression; and dealing with common clinical issues. Finally, the book outlines the research on this depression prevention program. Preventing Adolescent Depression is appropriate for a wide variety of mental health practitioners including psychologists, social workers, and school counselors.