Evidence Based Practices

MRT

Treatment Method: Moral Reconation Therapy

o Description:
Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) is a systematic treatment strategy that seeks to
decrease recidivism among juvenile and adult criminal offenders by increasing
moral reasoning. Its cognitive-behavioral approach combines elements from a
variety of psychological traditions to progressively address ego, social, moral,
and positive behavioral growth.
o Program Goals
It is a systematic, cognitive-behavioral, step-by-step treatment strategy designed
to enhance self-image, promote growth of a positive, productive identity, and
facilitate the development of higher stages of moral reasoning.
o Interventions Used
12 to 16 Step cognitive skills program where offenders participate in a group
setting and focus on thinking errors.
o How the program is Implemented
Clients are given this treatment option when either their initial assessment
indicates the need, or when the need is identified later in treatment.

Training Standards for Staff

o All staff facilitating the MRT group should be sufficiently trained in the MRT program
so that they are found competent by the Clinical Supervisor to facilitate the program.
This training can be completed via outside sources (workshops, seminars, etc.) or can be
completed in-house. It is the responsibility of the Clinical Supervisor to ensure that the
staff are competent before facilitating the group.

Documentation or Links showing the chosen EBPP is research based.

o SAMHSA's NREPP National Register of Evidence-Based Programs
(http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/)
o Twenty-Year Recidivisn Results for MRT-Treated Offenders (http://www.moralreconation-therapy.com/Resources/CBTR-%2019_1%202010GL.pdf)

Rationale for using this EBPP

o MRT is an evidenced based program that has been shown to be effective in treating the
target population. It is workbook based, which is effective to help the clients engage in
treatment.

Determining and Documenting Discharge

o Client must successfully complete all requirements established by the curriculum in
order to be evaluated for discharge from this program.

Client Exclusion Criteria

o Although the program is designed for treatment-resistant clients and the criminally
minded, the program can be used with a variety of populations.

Clinical Review
o Integrated has been using this program at our agency for over two years, and can
confirm that the research done by outside sources is accurate as to the effectiveness of
this program. Clients report a substantial increase in honesty, hope, and overall
commitment to change.