In Susie’s case, a 15-year-old with academic and behavioral problems and resistance to treatment, the social worker is most likely to recommend:

• A. Short-term trial treatment
• B. Long-term inpatient therapy
• C. Medication-only approach
• D. Family therapy only

Answer: (A)

Engaging a resistant adolescent often works best with a brief, time-limited treatment trial. This approach focuses on getting the teen and family involved in a structured, short-term plan that has clear goals and a built-in stop-and-review point. The advantage is twofold: it reduces the pressure of committing to a long, intensive plan when motivation is uncertain, and it creates a concrete opportunity to observe what actually helps Susie. If the trial shows positive engagement and some improvement, the plan can be expanded into a longer-term strategy that may include school supports, individual therapy, family involvement, and, if needed, additional modalities. If results are limited, the clinician can pivot quickly to different approaches without having sunk extensive resources into a plan that isn’t working.

Long-term inpatient therapy would be unnecessarily intensive for a situation primarily characterized by resistance and school-related problems, and it may not be feasible or appropriate to remove her from her environment at this stage. A medication-only approach overlooks the behavioral and psychosocial factors fueling academic struggles and resistance, so it typically isn’t sufficient on its own. Family therapy can be beneficial, but relying on it exclusively risks missing the adolescent’s own engagement needs; starting with a short-term trial helps determine how best to involve Susie and the family in a broader, tailored treatment plan.