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Topic: Anger Management Treatment (Adult)

Scientific Ratings in this topic:

1 - Well-Supported by Research Evidence

2 - Supported by Research Evidence

3 - Promising Research Evidence

4 - Evidence Fails to Demonstrate Effect

5 - Concerning Practice

NR - Not able to be Rated

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Definition for Anger Management Treatment (Adult):

Anger Management Treatment (Adult) is defined by the CEBC as the treatment of adults with anger control problems or anger-related difficulties. Anger has been associated with many negative consequences, including aggressive behavior, family violence, substance abuse, and physical health problems. In addition, anger problems are common in populations diagnosed with a mental disorder or illness. Parents involved in the child welfare system are often required to attend anger management classes as a part of their case plan.

  • Target population: Adults with anger control problems or anger-related difficulties
  • Services/types that fit: Typically outpatient services, either individual or group
  • Delivered by: Mental health professionals or trained paraprofessionals
  • In order to be included: Program must specifically target anger management as a goal
  • In order to be rated: There must be research evidence (as specified by the Scientific Rating Scale) that examines anger management outcomes, such as changes in behavior

Programs in this Topic Area

The programs listed below have been reviewed by the CEBC and, if appropriate, been rated using the Scientific Rating Scale.

Eight Programs with a Scientific Rating of NR - Not able to be Rated:

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Why was this topic chosen by the Advisory Committee?


The Anger Management Treatment (Adult) topic area is relevant to child welfare because anger management, along with parenting, substance abuse treatment, and mental health treatment, is among the four most commonly found service areas identified in child welfare case plans and court orders. In Fresno County [where Mr. Himes worked in 2010], anger management is found in approximately 60% of the case plans. In addition, anger management programs often do not have consistent standards and program outcomes and are not research-based. Frequently, anger management programs are derived from certified batterer treatment programs which are mandated through the criminal justice system and can last up to 52 weeks. Rarely is a program specifically designed for child welfare clients. There is no consistent specific screening criteria used to determine the need for anger management services. With the high level of service utilization and the lack of standardized and outcome-based program options, the concern for ultimately insuring the safety of children in the child welfare system is a strong driving force behind highlighting anger management (adult) on the CEBC.

Howard Himes, Director
Napa County Health and Human Services
Napa, CA

Topic Expert

The Anger Management Treatment (Adult) topic area was added in 2010. Raymond Chip Tafrate, PhD, was the topic expert and was involved in identifying and rating any of the programs with an original load date in 2010 (as found on the bottom of the program's page on the CEBC) or others loaded earlier and added to this topic area when it launched. The topic area has grown over the years and any programs added since 2010 were identified by CEBC staff, the Scientific Panel, and/or the Advisory Committee. For these programs, Dr. Tafrate was not involved in identifying or rating them.