Treatment interventions have three features -- the format of the treatment, the locus of its intended impact, and the mode of action of the treatment. A clear diagnosis, although difficult to make, is necessary in order to establish specific expectations of the clinical course and response to specific treatments. The patient's individual personality and social characteristics comprise a third element of treatment interventions. These factors apply to the two basic types of psychosocial treatment -- behavioral treatment and counseling. Behavioral treatment is based on operant conditioning which is implemented through observation and the application of specific rewards and punishments. Reinforcement works best when the behavior in question is clearly defined, when positive and aversive reinforcers are used, when reinforcers are applied consistently, and when they have an intrinsically low impact. Behavioral treatment is effective in institutional setting for juvenile officers and in families of offenders and of pre-delinquent children. Counseling techniques encourage a patient to gain a sense of support, have an opportunity to share feelings, learn to relax, and develop self-esteem and general confidence as well as mechanisms for greater pro-social behaviors. Counseling contexts include individual, group, and family. This approach seems to work best with juvenile offenders who are verbal and suffer from uncomfortable feelings such as anxiety. Probation officers should understand some factors about the therapist including his expertise and biases, as well as the importance of treatment confidentiality and the extent of family involvement. 5 references.