2 - (SYM 39) CBT Training, Consultation, and Implementation in the Kids FACE FEARS Trial

Abstract Body

This talk presents data on the therapist training and consultation components of the Kids FACE FEARS Trial. All treatment was integrated into the natural flow of usual care in pediatric health settings and implemented by routine care providers (i.e., non-research therapists, non-anxiety specialists). Therapists and clinical supervisors on the trial were trained by the study team to deliver CBT for youth anxiety. Consistent with best dissemination and implementation practices, a multi-component strategy was used that involved training workshops for therapists prior to their trial participation, followed by asynchronous online resources and ongoing small group consultation for therapists. Training entailed one full-day training with didactic components and active teaching and rehearsal approaches. Providers at the study performance sites also participated in biweekly group consultation videoconferencing calls led by pediatric anxiety experts. Consultation calls (n=210 calls across the trial) were used to provide therapist support, clarify/role-play therapy skills, answer questions, prevent drift, and provide scaffolding for therapists implemented the treatments.



After detailing the trial’s training and consultation model, we will present therapist pre-to-post-training outcomes, including changes in knowledge about CBT and pediatric anxiety, attitudes and beliefs about exposure therapy and evidence-based treatments, and therapist self-efficacy. Data breaking down the specific content and topics covered on the consultation calls will be presented (e.g., 17.2% of calls covered fear hierarchies/exposures; 11.1% covered coping skills; 8.9% covered cognitive strategies; 8.3% covered cultural considerations; 8.3% covered parenting), as will data on therapist engagement on calls—i.e., anxiety experts facilitating the consultation calls rated therapist engagement after each call on a scale from 1 (not at all engaged) to 7 (extensively engaged) [mean rating ranged from 5.7-6.8 depending on call focus]. These training and consultation data will be discussed in the context of how they can inform large-scale efforts to disseminate CBT for pediatric anxiety.