An innovative child CBT training model for community mental health practitioners in Ontario.
OBJECTIVE
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for children has been shown efficacious, but community access to it is often limited by the lack of trained therapists. This study evaluated a child, CBT-focused, 20-session weekly group supervision seminar with a didactic component which was provided to community mental health practitioners by experienced CBT therapists from an academic center.


METHODS
Twenty-two practitioners from four community mental health agencies completed the training in four groups (one for each agency); one group was trained by videoconference. The authors assessed outcomes immediately after the training and at 6-month follow-up using a mixed-method design including quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.


RESULTS
Participants' knowledge on a multiple-choice test of child CBT increased with training, as did their self-reported confidence using CBT and desire to do further child CBT. Therapist age and use of an intake diagnostic screen related to positive outcomes, and participants advocated for more structured training.


CONCLUSIONS
Child CBT can be successfully taught to community practitioners using this training model, but refinement based on participant feedback and further studies that include direct observation of CBT skills are needed.
Manassis
Katharina
K
Psychiatry at the Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8 Canada. katharina.manassis@sickkids.ca
Ickowicz
Abel
A
Picard
Erin
E
Antle
Beverley
B
McNeill
Ted
T
Chahauver
Anu
A
Mendlowitz
Sandra
S
Monga
Suneeta
S
Adler-Nevo
Gili
G
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000193:education*; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D003158:Community Psychiatry / Q000193:education*; D003376:Counseling / Q000193:education; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors / Q000193:education; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012947:Social Work / Q000193:education