CBT for Youth Anxiety: How Does It Fit Within Community Mental Health?

Abstract

Purpose of review: We review (1) the empirical literature for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for youth anxiety delivered in community settings, (2) the use of online delivery methods in this process, and (3) identified barriers and facilitators to implementation of CBT for youth anxiety in community mental health clinics (CMHCs). We provide suggestions for future work.

Recent findings: Meta-analytic reviews of effectiveness studies suggest that outcomes comparable to those of efficacy studies can be achieved in community settings, particularly when in-session exposures occur. Several online programs support delivery of these services, with an evidence base that is promising. The notable barrier to the implementation of services is the cost of implementation and sustainability. Organizational factors such as leadership, culture, and climate are consistently identified as barriers and facilitators depending on their valence and appear to be related to implementation outcomes (e.g., on provider attitudes). The current findings need to be integrated into future studies, with a focus on further identifying facilitators (e.g., champions and online programs) of implementation. There is also the need for efforts to address organizational and individual barriers and to compare ways to reduce costs.

Keywords: Anxiety; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Community; Implementation; Youth.