Therapy Cafe (Audio Version) - Strengthening Young Brains: CBT for Children with Anxiety and OCD

Before you take the post-test assessment, make sure you've listened to the course content on your podcast app of choice.

In this course, Marjorie Morrison, LMFT, LPCC discusses therapeutic approaches for treating anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents with experts Dr. Mona Potter, MD, and Dr. Katherine Boger, PhD, ABPP. The conversation covers evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, emphasizing the mind-body connection, physical symptoms, and behavioral responses like fight, flight, or freeze. The likelihood and benefits of integrating virtual therapy, the importance of precise diagnostics, and the need for family and school involvement are highlighted. The experts delve into innovative approaches including the use of virtual reality, medication management, and creating supportive environments. Success stories and strategies for long-term resilience and independence in youth are also shared, underscoring the collaborative effort essential for effective anxiety management.

Content notice: Emetophobia (fear of vomiting) is discussed

1 hour CE. Recorded audio format

ESTIMATED COURSE LENGTH: 1 hour 

CE CREDITS:1 hour continuing education/contact hours for social workers, psychologists, counselors, and marriage and family therapists

TARGET AUDIENCE: Mental Health Practitioners

LEVEL OF INSTRUCTION: Introductory 

PREREQUISITE(S): None

INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD: Recorded audio format (non-interactive)

ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATIONS: Closed captioning. To request further accessibility accommodations, please email support@psychhub.com.

COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS: To obtain your CE certificate, learners must listen to the full course, complete a participant evaluation, and obtain a score of 80% or higher on a post-test. Learners are expected to complete the quiz within 3 attempts. If unable to do so, the learner will need to re-review the course segments.

FINANCIAL/COMMERCIAL SUPPORT STATEMENT: This course has no commercial support.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:  This course has no potential conflict of interest or outside commercial support. Psych Hub's conflict of interest statement is found in the footer of the training center.

GRIEVANCE AND REFUND POLICIES: Grievance and refund policies are found in the footer of the training center.

PARTICIPATION COSTS:  The cost to participate in this CE activity is included in the subscription registration fee.

COURSE CREATION DATE: 10/31/2024

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the core elements of CBT for anxiety and OCD in youth

2. Describe strategies for involving the family and school in care

3. Describe the role of medication in treatment and associated considerations

4. Understand level of care/treatment intensity

1. Introduction to CBT for Youth Anxiety and OCD

• Overview of anxiety and OCD in youth

• Core principles of CBT and its effectiveness with young clients

• Introducing developmental considerations in treatment

2. Understanding the CBT Triangle

• Exploring the interaction between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

• Identifying unhelpful thoughts and teaching thought restructuring

• Managing physiological responses and emotional regulation techniques

3. Behavioral Techniques: Exposure Therapy

• Fundamentals of exposure therapy and inhibitory learning

• Developing exposure hierarchies for anxiety and OCD triggers

• Case examples: Creative and effective exposures for young clients

4. Involving Family and School in Treatment

• Strategies for engaging family as active participants in treatment

• Working with schools to create supportive environments for youth

• Addressing family accommodation behaviors and promoting consistent support

5. The Role of Medication in Treatment

• Overview of medication options and SSRIs for youth anxiety and OCD

• When and how to introduce medication in combination with CBT

• Communicating medication benefits, risks, and expectations with families

6. Level of Care and Treatment Intensity

• Assessing treatment needs: mild, moderate, and severe cases

• Determining the appropriate treatment setting and frequency

• Adjusting care plans over time for sustainable progress

7. Practical Tips for Clinicians

• Effective techniques for managing resistant behaviors

• Best practices for virtual vs. in-person therapy for young clients

• Creative approaches to sustain engagement and promote resilience

8. Conclusion and Continuing Care

• Indicators of treatment success and signs of readiness for discharge

• Empowering families to support ongoing progress post-treatment

• Resources for continuing education and professional growth