Sex, drugs and AIDS: issues for hospitalized emotionally disturbed youth

Children and youth with serious and persistent emotional disturbances are becoming increasingly more at risk for HIV transmission, particularly when considering the high incidence of child sexual abuse by infected adults among the impoverished, urban population. Brief psychiatric hospitalization affords an opportunity to empower the child victims and reduce risk behaviors in general. An inpatient program for youth is described with an emphasis on "taking care of yourself." High impact teaching methods such as role playing, competency training and raising self efficacy are discussed as critical elements of brief therapeutic interventions.