Multiple-family group treatment as an effective intervention for children with psychological disorders

An estimated 20% of children1 suffer from psychological disorders and only 10–20% receive adequate treatment. A lack of empirically supported treatments is one reason why relatively few children receive treatment for their psychological difficulties. Multiple-family group treatment (MFGT) is an empirically supported intervention for adults with chronic mental illnesses that may be an effective treatment for children with psychological disorders. This article reviewed the adult MFGT model and its empirical support. The quantity and quality of child MFGT research was then reviewed. Child MFGT models are compared with one another and to the adult MFGT model. All studies provided initial support of MFGT as an appropriate treatment for childhood disorders. However, the child literature as whole was relatively limited, unfocused, and lacked replication. Suggestions for future research are made, focusing on a structured and scientific approach to establishing MFGT as an empirically supported intervention for children.