Current psychiatry reports
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This article reviews the research evidence, practice guidelines and accreditation standards for the psychological treatment of individuals who commit sexually motivated crimes. Overall, the sexual offender treatment outcome research is not well developed, which limits strong conclusions. ⋯ Specifically, the intensity of treatment should be proportional to the offender's risk level (risk principle), treatment should focus on characteristics associated with recidivism risk (i.e., criminogenic needs; need principle), and be tailored to the learning style and abilities of clients (responsivity principle). Examples of promising new approaches to sexual offender treatment are provided.