Finding Treatment for Sexual Behavior Problems
Children and teens who have caused sexual harm to their siblings need help. They need help in understanding what they have done and in learning how to avoid repeating this behavior in the future. With effective treatment, they have a high chance of success.
People of any age who realize they crossed a line and hurt their sibling often carry a burden of guilt, shame, and regret. They are suffering too, even if their pain is cloaked in denial, anger, or destructive behavior. They may seriously question their identity, their self-worth, their ability to relate to others, or their sexuality. They may want to make amends to their sibling, reconcile with their family, or change their behavior but have no idea where to start.
Child-on-child sexual abuse, and sibling sexual trauma in particular, are extremely complex with respect to family relationships. They are also so stigmatized and poorly understood that reaching out for help can be frightening, and finding appropriate help can be tricky. If the legal system is involved, the court may order a specific program. Other times, adults and parents need to find help on their own.
Tools for Finding Treatment
FINDING THE RIGHT TREATMENT | National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth
Find a Treatment Provider | ATSA confidential search for local, qualified treatment for harmful sexual behavior
Worldwide Search Tool of Providers of Problematic Sexual Behavior-Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Treatment Referrals | Safer Society Press
Stop It Now Helpline can help point you in the right direction
Charlie Health offers online therapy with no waitlists, including treatment for problem sexual behavior
International Institute for Trauma & Addiction Professionals Search Tool
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Additional Resources
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Sex Addicts Anonymous a fellowship of individuals who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other so they may overcome their sexual addiction and help others recover from sexual addiction or dependency which follows the 12 steps and 12 traditions of AA
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Sexual Behaviors in Youth|The Mama Bear Effect scroll down for a wealth of information on responding to your child's problematic sexual behavior and tips of choosing effective treatment
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Defend Young Minds: Treatment Options for Kids, Paying for Treatment for Kids who have displayed harmful sexual behavior
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Literature on Treatment Options
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Jenkins et al, Preliminary findings of problematic sexual behavior-cognitive-behavioral therapy for adolescents in an outpatient treatment setting Child Abuse & Neglect, July 2020
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Multi Systemic Therapy for Youth with Problem Sexual Behaviors (MST-PSB)
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US DOJ, 1990: Evaluation of MST vs Individual Therapy for Adolescent Sexual Offenders
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Full article: Evidence-Based Treatments for Youths Who Engage in Illegal Sexual Behaviors
- Alex R. Dopp, Charles M. Borduin, Daniel B. Rothman & Elizabeth J. Letourneau (2017) Evidence-Based Treatments for Youths Who Engage in Illegal Sexual Behaviors, Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 46:5, 631-645, DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2016.1261714
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Chapter 5: Effectiveness of Treatment for Juveniles Who Sexually Offend