Treatment Fidelity in Brief Versus Standard-Length School-Based Interventions for Youth with Anxiety

Abstract To examine treatment fidelity in a randomized controlled trial of indicated school-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered groups to youth with anxiety. We investigated whether adherence and competence (a) differed across brief standard-length CBT, (b) if predicted change anxiety symptoms impairment. Method: Sessions were observationally coded the Competence Adherence Scale for CBT Anxiety Disorders Youth . Coders ( N = 7) rated 104 sessions from 52 by 32 facilitators M age 43.2 years, SD 8.1) 295 14.0 0.8). Outcomes youth- parent-reported impairment at post-intervention 1-year follow-up. Linear mixed effect models used analyze clinical outcomes. Results: Levels adequate both programs, but higher compared p < .001 .010, respectively). Neither nor outcomes any timepoints. Conclusion: Higher levels suggest that it may be easier novice providers achieve simplified less flexible interventions. Contrary expectation, did not predict