A developmental psychopathology perspective on child and adolescent treatment policy

This article considers the implications of theory and research in developme ntal psychopathology for existing and emerging social policy concerning tre atment of child and adolescent psychopathology. Based on the concept that a ll psychopathology is a process, four core principles of a developmental ps ychopathology perspective are discussed. In turn, each is applied to an eva luation of policy issues with implications for intervention, including ment al health parity, treatment guidelines, mental health reimbursement, and le vel of intervention. It is concluded that social policy on treatment must b e based on an empirically supported theory of developmental psychopathology and on evidence-based interventions that link treatments to pathogenic pro cesses.