It is common practice to recommend psychotherapy for children who have experienced sexual abuse. However, no agreed-upon method exists for assessing the needs of these children or to determine the nature of the treatments to be offered. Most existing research bearing on these issues consists of descriptive data, preanalysis and postanalysis, and correlation studies of mixed and nonstandardized treatments. This research suggests a high rate of spontaneous recovery following disclosure of sexual abuse, as well as the need and benefit for the provision of support during the acute adjustment period for children most at risk for long-term negative effects. Comprehensive assessments are recommended to determine which children are at risk for subsequent problems, the extrapolation of findings from other research areas to individualize treatment, and the use of empirically validated interventions. Table, photograph, and 87 references (Author abstract modified)