Youths with inappropriate sexual behaviors are minors (17 – 18 years old and younger) who act out in sexual ways. Most commonly, these sexual acts are towards a same-aged peer or someone younger, though youths do sometimes act out on individuals older than themselves as well. Unfortunately, significant stigmas and misinformation are spread about youths with sexually inappropriate behaviors. This often leads caregivers, other family members, the youth themselves, and even other healthcare professionals to approach these children with minimal if any confidence in their ability to grow and change.
The good news is: research indicates that “problematic sexual behaviors in the vast majority of youth are transitory” and that “properly targeted and implemented interventions significantly reduce risk and recidivism” for sexually inappropriate behaviors*. ABC Counseling provides high quality, evidence-based, person-first interventions for all youths with sexually inappropriate behaviors that meet with our therapists.
We make key distinctions between youths with sexually problematic behaviors (YSPB) and youths with reactive behaviors, to help adapt services to the individual client. Youths who are 12 years of age or older and who demonstrate some level of aggression and/or premeditation of their sexual behaviors typically fall into the former category. Like sexually reactive children, a youth with sexually problematic behaviors may exhibit a wide range of sexual behaviors, both “hands-on” and “hands-off,” with some sexually problematic and reactive behaviors occurring entirely through electronics.
When a youth with sexually problematic behaviors attends services at ABC Counseling, the first 4 to 6 sessions are typically focused on information gathering. At the end of these initial sessions, with a written psychosexual evaluation assessing the client’s strengths and needs, their level of immediate risk, and the clinical recommendations or goals for their treatment, will be provided.
Following the evaluation, the treatment for a youth with sexually problematic behaviors typically spans one to two years with weekly sessions, depending on the youth's individual needs. These can involve individual, family, and/or group sessions depending on feasibility and availability. The main goal of treatment for the youth is to eliminate sexually problematic behaviors and to teach the skills to prevent recidivism.
*For more information, see: ATSA Practice Guidelines for Assessment, Treatment, and Intervention with Adolescents Who Have Engaged in Sexually Abusive Behavior (2017)
