What Works with Children, Adolescents, and Adults? - Research

Our review of What Works with Children, Adolescents, and Adults? finds it to be a clear, evidence-focused resource for clinicians and policymakers seeking a compact synthesis of psychotherapy outcomes. The book compiles recent meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and landmark studies to make a practical case for the overall effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of psychotherapy across age groups. For readers wanting a research-grounded, clinically relevant summary rather than a how-to therapy manual, this volume provides a concise bridge between academic findings and service-level decision making.

Key Features

• Comprehensive evidence review: Draws on recent meta-analyses and systematic reviews to summarize what research shows about psychotherapy effectiveness for multiple age groups.
• Across the lifespan: Presents findings for children, adolescents, adults and people in later life so clinicians can compare outcomes across stages of life.
• Disability focus: Includes evidence for people with intellectual and pervasive developmental disabilities to inform inclusive practice.
• Common factors emphasis: Explains the contribution of common therapeutic factors to outcomes, helping readers weigh process versus specific techniques.
• Policy and service relevance: Frames evidence in terms of cost-effectiveness and service development, useful for managers and commissioners.
• User-friendly synthesis: Presents dense research findings in a readable format suitable for clinicians, managers, and students.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at practicing psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, service managers, and policy makers who need a succinct, research-based summary of what the evidence says about psychotherapy effectiveness. It is especially helpful when decisions must balance clinical benefit and service-level cost-effectiveness.

It is less suitable for readers seeking step-by-step therapy manuals, training curricula, or in-depth methodological debate; those wanting protocol-level clinical instruction should consult treatment manuals or primary trial reports instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear synthesis of recent meta-analyses that makes evidence accessible to clinicians and managers.
• Coverage across life stages and inclusion of intellectual and developmental disability populations improves applicability.
• Attention to cost-effectiveness and common factors helps bridge research and service planning.
• Readable format that suits busy professionals and students who need a concise review.

Cons

• Not a clinical manual; it summarizes effectiveness but does not provide detailed treatment protocols.
• Readers seeking exhaustive methodological critique of individual trials may find the scope too focused on synthesis rather than primary-study nuance.

Specifications

Title	What Works with Children, Adolescents, and Adults?
Subtitle	A Review of Research on the Effectiveness of Psychotherapy
Author / Editor	Alan Carr
Coverage	Children, adolescents, adults, later life, intellectual and pervasive developmental disabilities
Content focus	Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, key research studies
Key topics	Overall effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, common factors, specific protocols

Our Verdict

For clinicians, service managers, and policy makers who need a compact, research-led appraisal of psychotherapy effectiveness across populations, this book offers strong value. It translates meta-analytic findings into practical conclusions about what works and why, making it a useful reference for evidence-informed clinical practice and service planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book present original research?
The book is a synthesis drawing on recent meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and key studies rather than presenting new primary trial data.

Is it suitable for training clinicians?
Yes for teaching evidence and outcomes; no for step-by-step therapy training, since it does not provide detailed treatment protocols.

Does it cover cost-effectiveness?
Yes, the volume discusses evidence for cost-effectiveness alongside clinical effectiveness to inform service decisions.