A Meta-analysis to Guide the Enhancement of CBT for Childhood Anxiety: Exposure Over Anxiety Management.
Stephen P H Whiteside, Leslie A Sim, Allison S Morrow...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31628568Actively Recruiting
Phase Not Applicable
Age: 7Years - 17Years
All Genders
ID07228143
Stepped Care Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children and Adolescents With Anxiety
Led by Andrew Wiese · Updated on 2026-03-02
106
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
34 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
A
Andrew Wiese
Lead Sponsor
B
Baylor College of Medicine
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying childhood anxiety disorders (CAD), which are common and can affect school, friendships, and family life. This trial focuses on a stepped care model that starts with parent-focused treatment to help children with anxiety. The study aims to improve access to effective care by testing a low-intensity, affordable approach that involves parents, addressing barriers like limited providers and high costs. The study compares two treatments: Relaxation and Mentorship Training (RMT), which includes 14 sessions of relaxation techniques and writing activities, and Stepped Care Targeting Exposure and Parenting for Anxiety (STEP-A). STEP-A involves two steps: first, parents read a book and attend four therapy sessions while practicing tasks with their child, then responders receive 10 weeks of family-based cognitive behavioral therapy focused on exposures and increasing parental involvement. Participants aged 7 to 17 with diagnosed anxiety disorders will attend therapy sessions and be assessed at multiple time points using anxiety rating scales and clinical interviews. Researchers will track progress before, during, and after treatment, including follow-ups at one month and longer-term caregiver interviews. The study runs until 2028 and seeks to better understand how stepped care works and its benefits for children with anxiety.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Stepped Care Treatment for Anxiety Resilience
Who Can Participate
Age: 7Years - 17Years
All Genders
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- A primary diagnosis of OCD or an anxiety disorder including separation anxiety disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobia, agoraphobia, or panic disorder determined by a diagnostic interview.
- A score of 14 or higher on the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale indicating clinically significant anxiety.
- Child is between 7 and 17 years old.
- Residence in Texas and plan to stay in Texas during treatment sessions.
You will not qualify if you...
- Psychosis, cognitive disability, or any condition limiting caregiver's ability to follow instructions.
- Parent substance use disorder within the past 3 months.
- Child or parent is suicidal; delayed entry possible after stabilization for more than 6 months.
- Recent changes or initiation of psychotropic medications within specified time frames before enrollment; medications must remain stable during treatment.
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) for diagnostic interview and baseline assessments
Treatment
Duration - Up to 20 weeks
Participants receive behavioral therapy through either Relaxation and Mentorship Training (RMT) or Stepped Care Targeting Exposure and Parenting for Anxiety (STEP-A). RMT involves 14 sessions of relaxation training over several weeks. STEP-A consists of two steps: Step 1 includes four 45-minute parent sessions across 8 weeks with therapeutic tasks, followed by a 10-week maintenance period; Step 2 includes 10 weekly family-based CBT sessions focusing on exposure and parental involvement.
Weekly or biweekly therapy sessions totaling up to 14 sessions depending on assigned treatment
Follow-up
Duration - Up to 12 weeks after treatment completion
Participants are followed up to assess treatment outcomes and maintenance of effects through caregiver interviews and clinical assessments.
1 to 2 follow-up visits including caregiver interview and clinical evaluations
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, Texas, United States, 77030
Actively Recruiting
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Research Team
A
Andrew D Wiese, PhD
J
Jazzmine Ward, BS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
SEQUENTIAL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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Published Research Related To This Trial
Assessing reliable change, MCID, treatment response, and remission using the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS) in youth with anxiety disorders.
Matti Cervin, Philip C Kendall, John C Piacentini...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40946358A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL IN COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS OF COMPUTER-ASSISTED COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY VERSUS TREATMENT AS USUAL FOR CHILDREN WITH ANXIETY.
Eric A Storch, Alison Salloum, Morgan A King...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26366886Parent-coached exposure therapy versus cognitive behavior therapy for childhood anxiety disorders.
Stephen P H Whiteside, Bridget K Biggs, Jennifer R Geske...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38788593Randomized trial comparing standard versus light intensity parent training for anxious youth.
Eric A Storch, Andrew G Guzick, Daphne M Ayton...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38154287