Collaborative Problem Solving for Mental Health Professionals and Parents

An essential guide to the Collaborative Problem Solving approach for anyone working with children outside of a school setting.

The Collaborative Problem Solving approach recognizes that kids don't lack the will to behave well, they lack the skills to behave well. The process begins with identifying triggers to a child's challenging behavior and the specific skills they need help developing. The next step involves partnering with the child to build these skills and develop lasting solutions to problems that work for everyone.

In this guide, clinical staff, parents, guardians, and other CPS trainees will find crucial information about the guiding philosophy of the approach; the cognitive skills that contribute to children’s behavior; the key aspects of a CPS assessment; information on planning and prioritizing the treatment; and step-by-step instructions for completing
CPS itself.

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J. Stuart Ablon, PhD, is an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and founder and director of Think:Kids at Massachusetts General Hospital.


Alisha R. Pollastri, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and researcher, the director of research and evaluation at Think:Kids, and a faculty member at Harvard Medical School.