Clinicians' attitudes towards the use of computerized cognitive behaviour therapy (cCBT) with children and adolescents.
BACKGROUND
Research has begun to examine the effectiveness of computerized cognitive behaviour therapy (cCBT) with children and adolescents. Although cCBT appears promising, the attitudes of clinicians towards this type of intervention with children and young people have not been assessed, yet these are important in determining when and if cCBT will be offered.


OBJECTIVE
To survey clinicians' attitudes towards cCBT with children and adolescents.


METHODS
A self-report questionnaire was completed by 43 mental health professionals attending a conference.


RESULTS
Clinicians were cautious but generally positive about the use of cCBT with children and adolescents, particularly for the delivery of prevention programmes and in the treatment of mild/moderate problems. Few felt that cCBT should be available freely online without any professional support. Indeed, the lack of a therapeutic relationship and professional support were identified as the biggest problems, whilst the potential to use cCBT at home was the greatest advantage identified.


CONCLUSIONS
This survey suggests that clinicians are generally positive about the use of cCBT with children and adolescents for the prevention and treatment of mild/moderate problems. Further research is required to address clinicians' concerns about the effectiveness of cCBT for more substantial problems and the level of therapeutic support required.
Stallard
Paul
P
School for Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK. p.stallard@bath.ac.uk
Richardson
Thomas
T
Velleman
Sophie
S
D000293:Adolescent; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003625:Data Collection; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom