This course considers basic approaches to intervention with children and adolescents through the lens of developmental psychopathology and evidence-based practice. Students gain an understanding of the importance of selecting interventions that are appropriate to what we know about effectiveness for specific clinical problems, the developmental level of the client, and the wider ecology of risk and protective factors that characterize children's and adolescents' lives. Major approaches to psychotherapeutic intervention with children and adolescents are reviewed. Students gain experience in the development of basic clinical skills that can be applied within a variety of clinical interventions. Important ethical issues that often emerge in work with children and adolescents are discussed. The importance of cultural and individual diversities in key areas that are often targeted by interventions with children and adolescents are considered, e.g., parenting values, beliefs and practices or family hierarchies and communication patterns. Students also are encouraged to draw on the conceptual and empirical research base (or lack thereof) that informs our understanding of the impact of social and cultural factors on therapeutic effectiveness.
Required texts: Prinstein, M. J., Youngstrom, E. A., Mash, E. J., & Barkley, R. A. (Eds.). (2019). Treatment of disorders in childhood and adolescence, 4th edition. Guilford Publications.
September 9
Mental health context-Canada and globally:
McGorry, P. D., Mei, C., Chanen, A., Hodges, C., Alvarez‐Jimenez, M., & Killackey, E. (2022). Designing and scaling up integrated youth mental health care. World Psychiatry, 21(1), 61-76.
Modanloo, S., Correll, Q., Correll, R., Major, N., Quinlan, M., Reszel, J., ... & Harrison, D. (2024). Identifying research priorities with children, youth, and families: a scoping review. Journal of Child Health Care, 28(3), 592-609.
Zifkin, C., Montreuil, M., Beauséjour, M. È., Picard, S., Gendron-Cloutier, L., & Carnevale, F. A. (2021). An exploration of youth and parents' experiences of child mental health service access. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 35(5), 549-555.
Montesanti, S., Fitzpatrick, K., Fayant, B., & Pritchard, C. (2022). Identifying priorities, directions and a vision for Indigenous mental health using a collaborative and consensus-based facilitation approach. BMC Health Services Research, 22(1), 406.
Distillation and Matching Model:
Core model: Chorpita and colleagues:
Chorpita, B. F., Daleiden, E. L., & Weisz, J. R. (2005). Identifying and selecting the common elements of evidence-based interventions: A distillation and matching model. Mental health services research, 7(1), 5-20.
Chorpita, B. F., & Daleiden, E. L. (2009). Mapping evidence-based treatments for children and adolescents: Application of the distillation and matching model to 615 treatments from 322 randomized trials. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 77(3), 566-579.
Recent Applications:
Oddo, L. E., McLeod, B. D., Sutherland, K. S., Chow, J. C., Ledford, J. R., & Li, G. W. (2025). A Novel Approach to Research Synthesis with the Distillation and Matching Model: Application to the Prevention of Youth Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Problems. Prevention Science, 26(1), 69-79.
Käll, A., Shafran, R., Lindegaard, T., Bennett, S., Cooper, Z., Coughtrey, A., & Andersson, G. (2020). A common elements approach to the development of a modular cognitive behavioral theory for chronic loneliness. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 88(3), 269-282.
Park, A. L., Rith-Najarian, L. R., Saifan, D., Gellatly, R., Huey, S. J., & Chorpita, B. F. (2023). Strategies for incorporating culture into psychosocial interventions for youth of color. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 8(2), 181-193.
Social Graces:
Burnham, J. (2012). Developments in Social GRRRAAACCEEESSS: visible–invisible and voiced–unvoiced. In Culture and reflexivity in systemic psychotherapy (pp. 139-160). Routledge.
Birdsey, N., & Kustner, C. (2021). Reviewing the Social GRACES: What Do They Add and Limit in Systemic Thinking and Practice? The American Journal of Family Therapy, 49(5), 429-442.
September 16
In Szigethy, E., Weisz, J. R., & Findling, R. L. (Eds.). (2012). Cognitive-behavior therapy for children and adolescents. American Psychiatric Pub. Chapter 3: Culturally Diverse Children and Adolescents
In Marsten, D. Epston, D. & L. Markham (2016). In Narrative Therapy in Wonderland: Connecting with Children’s Imaginative Know-How. W.W. Norton & Company: NY. Chapter 2: In pursuit of children’s virtues: Pp. 27-49.
In Fuggle, Peter, Sandra Dunsmuir, and Vicki Curry. CBT with children, young people and families. Sage, 2012. Chapters 7-8. Therapeutic Alliance (pp.108-120) and Collaborative Practice (121-145).
Ryan, R., Berry, K., & Hartley, S. (2021). Therapist factors and their impact on therapeutic alliance and outcomes in child and adolescent mental health–a systematic review. Child and adolescent mental health, 28(2), 195-211.
Optional Readings:
Roest, J. J., der Helm, V., Peer, G. H., Stams, G. J. J., & Hoeve, M. (2023). A three-level meta-analysis on the alliance-outcome association in child and adolescent psychotherapy. Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. 51:275–293.
Núñez, L., Fernández, S., Alamo, N., Midgley, N., Capella, C., & Krause, M. (2022). The therapeutic relationship and change processes in child psychotherapy: a qualitative, longitudinal study of the views of children, parents and therapists. Research in Psychotherapy: Psychopathology, Process, and Outcome, 25(1), 67-81.
Dunne, J., & Parker, A. (2020). Exploring effective practice with vulnerable young people: what does practice wisdom reveal about the working alliance? Journal of Social Work Practice, 301-313.
Fjermestad, K. W., Føreland, Ø., Oppedal, S. B., Sørensen, J. S., Vognild, Y. H., Gjestad, R., ... & Wergeland, G. J. (2020). Therapist Alliance-Building Behaviors, Alliance, and Outcomes in Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Youth Anxiety Disorders. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 229-242. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2019.1683850
Halfon, S., Goodman, G., & Bulut, P. (2020). Interaction structures as predictors of outcome in a naturalistic study of psychodynamic child psychotherapy. Psychotherapy Research, 30(2), 251-266.
Loos, S., Tutus, D., Kilian, R., & Goldbeck, L. (2020). Do caregivers’ perspectives matter? Working alliances and treatment outcomes in trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy with children and adolescents. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11(1), 1-10.
Chu BC (2019). Ch. 3: Evidence-Based Therapist Flexibility: Making Treatment Work for Clients. In: Prinstein MJ, Youngstrom EA, Mash EJ, Barkley RA, editors. Treatment of Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence, 4th edition. New York: Guilford Publications, Inc. Pp. 27-39.
Shirk, S. R., & Karver, M. (2003). Prediction of treatment outcome from relationship variables in child and adolescent therapy: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 71, 452–464.
Wolpert, M., Ford, T., Trustam, E., Law, D., Deighton, J., Flannery, H., & Fugard, R. J. (2012). Patient-reported outcomes in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS): use of idiographic and standardized measures. Journal of mental health, 21(2), 165-173.
Wolpert, M. (2013). Do patient reported outcome measures do more harm than good? Bmj, 346.
Law, D., & Jacob, J. (2013). Goals and goal-based outcomes (GBOs). Guide to using outcomes and feedback tools with children, young people and families. https://www.corc.uk.net/media/2112/201404guide_to_using_outcomes_measur…
Jacob, J., Stankovic, M., Spuerck, I., & Shokraneh, F. (2022). Goal setting with young people for anxiety and depression: What works for whom in therapeutic relationships? A literature review and insight analysis. BMC psychology, 10(1), 171.
Penno, J., Hetrick, S., & Christie, G. (2022). "Goals Give You Hope": An Exploration of Goal Setting in Young People Experiencing Mental Health Challenges. International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 24(5), 771-781.
September 23
CHILD, E. L. P. T. (2011). Parenting Programmes for Conduct Problems. Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 271-275
Robert J. McMahon & Paul J. Frick. Chapter 2 and 3: Parent Training and Overview of the “Helping the Noncompliant Child (HNC) Parent Training Program. In: McMahon, R. J., & Forehand, R. L. (2005). Helping the noncompliant child: Family-based treatment for oppositional behavior. Guilford Press.
Optional Readings:
Nice Guideline for ADHD available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87/resources/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-diagnosis-and-management-pdf-1837699732933
Evans SW, Owens JS & Power TJ (2019). Chapter 4. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. In: Prinstein MJ, Youngstrom EA, Mash EJ, Barkley RA, editors. Treatment of Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence, 4th edition. New York: Guilford Publications, Inc. Pp. 47-101.
McMahon RJ & Frick PJ (2019). Chapter 5. Conduct and Oppositional Disorders. In: Prinstein MJ, Youngstrom EA, Mash EJ, Barkley RA, editors. Treatment of Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence, 4th edition. New York: Guilford Publications, Inc. Pp. 102-174.
Outline of Triple P: https://www.triplep.net/files/2915/9671/4759/ENG_Triple_P_Online_LTR.pdf
September 30
Midgley, N., Ensink, K., Lindqvist, K., Malberg, N., & Muller, N. (2017). Mentalization-based treatment for children: A time-limited approach. American Psychological Association. Part I- Theoretical Framework; Part II Description of the Therapeutic Approach (Chapters 1-5 & 7).
October 7
Palitz SA, Davis JP, Kendall PC (2019). Chapter 9. Anxiety Disorders. In: Prinstein MJ, Youngstrom EA, Mash EJ, Barkley RA, editors. Treatment of Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence, 4th edition. New York: Guilford Publications, Inc. Pp. 281–310.
October 21
Part 1: Parent-led CBT for child anxiety
Creswell, C., Parkinson, M., Thirlwall, K., & Willetts, L. (2019). Parent-led CBT for child anxiety: helping parents help their kids. Guilford Publications. Chapters 1-3: 1. Introduction; 2.Conducting a Comprehensive Assessment and Establishing Treatment Goals; 3. Psychoeducation and Individualizing the Treatment Model
Creswell, C., & Willetts, L. (2012). Overcoming Your Child's Fears and Worries. Hachette UK. Chapters 6-10.
Part 2: Motivational Interviewing for Children and Adolescents
Naar, S., & Suarez, M. (2011). Motivational interviewing with adolescents and young adults. Guilford Press. Chapters 1-8, pp. 3-84.
Sebastian Kaplan, S. (2017) Motivational interviewing with adolescents: core concepts. https://www-psychotherapy-net.proxy.library.upei.ca/stream/upei/video?vid=391
October 28
Stallard, P. (2002). Think Good–Feel Good: A Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Workbook for Children and Young People Stallard, P. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. Chapters 1-3, pp.1-36.
Palitz SA, Davis JP, Kendall PC (2019). Chapter 9. Anxiety Disorders. In: Prinstein MJ, Youngstrom EA, Mash EJ, Barkley RA, editors. Treatment of Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence, 4th edition. New York: Guilford Publications, Inc. Pp. 281–310.
Optional Readings:
Nice guidance for social anxiety disorder: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg159/ifp/chapter/Treatment-for-children-and-young-people
November 4
Part 1: Treatment of Internalizing Disorders in Adolescents: Depression and IPTA
Curry JF, Meyer AE (2019). Ch. 6: Depressive Disorders. In: Prinstein MJ, Youngstrom EA, Mash EJ, Barkley RA, editors. Treatment of Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence, 4th edition. New York: Guilford Publications, Inc. Pp. 175-211.
Mufson, L. (Ed.). (2004). Interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed adolescents. Guilford Press, Ch. 3: The origins and development of Interpersonal Therapy for Depression
Toner, J.B., & Freeland, C.A.B. Depression: A Teen’s Guide to Survive and Thrive: Magination Press. American Psychological Association. Chapter 1-3, Depression and Teens, Getting Help, and the Loop of Depression.
Part 2: Challenges of Diversity: Meeting the needs of indigenous children and families
Ansloos, J., Stewart, S., Fellner, K., Goodwill, A., Graham, H., McCormick, R., ... & Mushquash, C. (2019). Indigenous peoples and professional training in psychology in Canada. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne, 60(4), 265-280.
Atkinson, D. (2017). Considerations for Indigenous child and youth population mental health promotion in Canada. National Collaborating Centres for Public Health. https://nccph.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/06/07_Indigenous_MentalHeal…
Finlay, J., Hardy, M., Morris, D. & Nagy, A. (2010). Mamow Ki-ken-da-ma-win: A Partnership Approach to Child, Youth, Family and Community Wellbeing, International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 7(4), 245-257.
Ralph, S., & Ryan, K. (2017). Addressing the mental health gap in working with indigenous youth: Some considerations for non‐Indigenous psychologists working with Indigenous youth. Australian Psychologist, 52(4), 288-298. https://doi.org/10.1111/ap.12287
Gone, J. P., Hartmann, W. E., Pomerville, A., Wendt, D. C., Klem, S. H., & Burrage, R. L. (2019). The impact of historical trauma on health outcomes for indigenous populations in the USA and Canada: A systematic review. American Psychologist, 74(1), 20-35.
Optional Readings:
Lockwood, I., Peterson-Badali, M., & Schmidt, F. (2018). The relationship between risk, criminogenic need, and recidivism for indigenous justice-involved youth. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 45(11), 1688-1708.
Nelson, S. E., & Wilson, K. (2017). The mental health of Indigenous peoples in Canada: A critical review of research. Social Science & Medicine, 176, 93-112.
Williams, A. D., Clark, T. C., & Lewycka, S. (2018). The associations between cultural identity and mental health outcomes for indigenous Māori youth in New Zealand. Frontiers in public health, 6, 319.
November 11
MacPherson, H. A., Cheavens, J. S., & Fristad, M. A. (2013). Dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents: Theory, treatment adaptations, and empirical outcomes. Clinical child and family psychology review, 16(1), 59-80.
Asarnow, J. R., Berk, M. S., Bedics, J., Adrian, M., Gallop, R., Cohen, J., ... & McCauley, E. (2021). Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Suicidal Self-Harming Youth: Emotion Regulation, Mechanisms, and Mediators. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 60(9), 1105-1115.
Day, C. M., Smith, A., Short, E. J., & Bater, L. (2021). Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Groups for Youth in Schools: A Systematic Review. Adolescent Research Review, 1-18.
Marsha Linehan: https://video-alexanderstreet-com.proxy.library.upei.ca/watch/dialectical-behavior-therapy?context=channel:academic-video-online
November 18
In Marsten, D., Epston, D., & Markham, L. (2016). Narrative therapy in wonderland: Connecting with children's imaginative know-how. WW Norton & Company. [ILL]
Midgley, N., Ensink, K., Lindqvist, K., Malberg, N., & Muller, N. (2017). Mentalization-based treatment for children: A time-limited approach. American Psychological Association. Part II Description of the Therapeutic Approach (Ch. 6, Direct work with Children in MBT-C).