Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Pediatric Anxiety and Depression in Primary Care

Mood and anxiety disorders in childhood and adolescence are disabling, distressing, and prevalent and produce added costs to health systems. This two-site randomized controlled trial will test the effects of a brief cognitive behavioral therapy (BCBT) protocol (8-12 sessions) in a large sample (N=210) of children and adolescents (age 8-16) presenting with anxiety and/or depression in primary care. Clinical and cost-effectiveness of BCBT will be compared to a plausible public health alternative - enhanced referral to specialty mental health care (SMHC). This investigation is noteworthy in adopting a deployment-focused model and testing this intervention early in its development within a real world context (primary care) and against a plausible public health comparison condition (SMHC) relevant for future treatment dissemination.

Inclusion criteria

• meet full or probable diagnostic criteria for Separation Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, Major Depression, Dysthymic Disorder, or Minor Depression
• age 8.0 to 16.9
• live with legal, consenting guardian for at least 6 months

Exclusion criteria

• youths requiring alternate intervention (e.g., youths with bipolar disorder, psychosis, active suicidal ideation with plan, PTSD, substance dependence, current physical or sexual abuse, or mental retardation
• suffer from serious or unstable physical illness (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes)
• currently in active, alternate intervention for anxiety or depression (e.g., antidepressant use)