Effectiveness of motivational interviewing for young people: An evidence summary

This evidence summary details the current research literature on the effectiveness of motivational interviewing for young people with substance use and mental health disorders.

‘Motivational interviewing is a psychological treatment that aims to enhance a person’s motivation to change problematic behaviour by exploring and resolving their ambivalence about change. It has been used most extensively to treat substance use problems.’

The evidence summary covers the following topics:

• What is motivational interviewing?
• Motivational interviewing: Strategies and spirit
• Is motivational interviewing effective? What is the evidence?
• Is motivational interviewing effective in young people?
• What does all this mean about using motivational interviewing with young people?
• Using motivational interviewing as an intervention: The need for training