• Abstract
• Introduction
• Assessing Strengths: Using the BERS
  • Jake
• Assessment Results
• Intervention and Treatment Planning
• Summary
• Conclusion
• About the Authors
• References

Jake, a 15-year-old White male, was referred to an intensive outpatient mental health treatment center for evaluation, crisis stabilization, and treatment. Jake lived with his biological mother and younger brother in a suburban community and was attending ninth grade in a local high school. His parents divorced when he was five years old. Jake has not had contact with his father since the divorce, and described him as an alcoholic.

Jake had three prior outpatient treatment episodes for aggressive behavior and had been diagnosed with the DSM diagnosis of Intermittent Explosive Disorder. He had a repeated history of violent, aggressive, and oppositional behavior at home. After threatening to hurt his mother with a knife, Jake was referred to the Center for Assessment and Crisis Planning. The Department of Social Services was contacted, and department staff were considering placement in a residential treatment center.

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