Modifying CBT for adolescents experiencing depression

This module is designed for mental health clinicians working in youth mental health settings as an introduction to implementing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with help-seeking young people (i.e. 12-18 year olds) presenting with depression. There is a focus on providing practical guidance on how CBT can be implemented in a developmentally appropriate manner with adolescents.

Please note that this module has been designed for clinicians who have prior training in CBT. This prior experience is assumed and the content serves to build on existing clinical skills and knowledge in delivering CBT. Completing this module in the absence of having prior training in CBT will not provide sufficient training for a person to be able to competently deliver CBT to adolescents with depression, or to any other population.

Who is this course for?

Clinicians working with young people with mental ill-health

What will you learn in this course?

  • Reflect on what CBT is, and be familiar with clinical guideline recommendations and the evidence-base for using it to treat depression in adolescents
  • Understand what developmentally appropriate treatment is and why it’s important
  • Understand the major developmental changes that are occurring across adolescence and how they may impact on treatment response to CBT
  • Understand how to adapt CBT according to the developmental needs of the individual adolescent considering:
    • engagement
    • assessment
    • case formulation
    • selecting and prioritising treatment components
    • promoting homework adherence
    • practical examples of modifying language, using visual aids, games, and creative approaches.

Access this training module