title: Using flexible clinical processes in the Unified Protocol for the Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Adolescence.
abstract: The purpose of this manuscript is to highlight the Unified Protocol for the Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Adolescents (UP-A) as an exemplar model of a principle-based, flexible treatment for adolescents with either depressive or anxiety disorders. The theoretical basis, mechanism of change, and research support for three of the UP-A's guiding treatment principles are presented. Verbal exchanges between UP-A therapists and adolescent clients are shared to demonstrate clinical processes related to UP-A techniques that follow such guiding principles. The benefits of this approach to treatment are discussed, including reduction in the number of evidence-based treatment manuals to be learned, administered, and supervised. The UP-A has demonstrated positive outcomes, yet further examination of clinical process variables is warranted. These clinical process variables and additional future directions for the UP-A are addressed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Miami.
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Girio-Herrera
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Miami.
authors.forename: Jill
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ehrenreich-May
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001364:Awareness; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003469:Culture; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes