Mental Health: Universal School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Programs to Reduce Depression and Anxiety Symptoms
CDC
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
Universal school-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs to prevent or reduce depression and anxiety symptoms are delivered to all students, regardless of the presence or absence of mental health conditions. The programs help students develop strategies to solve problems, regulate emotions, and establish helpful patterns of thought and behavior.
Trained school staff (e.g., school mental health professionals, trained teachers, nurses) or external mental health professionals (e.g., non-school psychologists, social workers) use therapeutic approaches outlined in an intervention protocol to engage with students in individual or group settings. They deliver the interventions during two or more sessions that are designed to prevent or reduce depression or anxiety symptoms, and promote well-being.
Trained school staff (e.g., school mental health professionals, trained teachers, nurses) or external mental health professionals (e.g., non-school psychologists, social workers) use therapeutic approaches outlined in an intervention protocol to engage with students in individual or group settings. They deliver the interventions during two or more sessions that are designed to prevent or reduce depression or anxiety symptoms, and promote well-being.
Impact
The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommends universal school-based cognitive behavioral therapy programs to prevent or reduce depression and anxiety symptoms among school-aged children and adolescents.
The CPSTF also recommends Targeted School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Programs to Reduce Depression and Anxiety Symptoms for students who are assessed to be at increased risk for these conditions, and group and individual CBT to reduce psychological harm from traumatic events among children and adolescents.
The CPSTF also recommends Targeted School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Programs to Reduce Depression and Anxiety Symptoms for students who are assessed to be at increased risk for these conditions, and group and individual CBT to reduce psychological harm from traumatic events among children and adolescents.
Results / Accomplishments
The systematic review included 38 studies of universal school-based CBT programs.
Small decreases were reported for symptoms of depression (27 studies) and anxiety (24 studies).
There was no difference between interventions delivered by external mental health professionals and those delivered by trained school staff.
Small decreases were reported for symptoms of depression (27 studies) and anxiety (24 studies).
There was no difference between interventions delivered by external mental health professionals and those delivered by trained school staff.
About this Promising Practice
Primary Contact
The Community Guide
1600 Clifton Rd, NE
MS H21-8
Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 498-1827
communityguide@cdc.gov
https://www.thecommunityguide.org/
1600 Clifton Rd, NE
MS H21-8
Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 498-1827
communityguide@cdc.gov
https://www.thecommunityguide.org/
Topics
Health / Mental Health & Mental Disorders
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