Stepped Care as a Heuristic Approach to the Treatment of Alcohol Problems

Author(s)

Mark B. Sobell, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Linda C. Sobell, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2000

Publication Title

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology

Volume

68

Issue/Number

4

First Page

573

ISSN

0022-006X

Last Page

579

Abstract/Excerpt

A stepped care approach to treatment decisions for alcohol problems consists of the application of decision rules derived from practice in other areas of health care. The treatment used should be (a) individualized, (b) consistent with the research literature and supported by clinical judgment, and (c) least restrictive but still likely to be successful. Used in this way, stepped care emphasizes serving the needs of clients efficiently but without sacrificing quality of care. Issues concerning stepped care are discussed, and the application of a stepped care approach to alcohol treatment services is described.

DOI

10.1037/0022-006X.68.4.573

NSUWorks Citation

Sobell, M. B., Sobell, L. C. (2000). Stepped Care as a Heuristic Approach to the Treatment of Alcohol Problems. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(4), 573-579.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/435