Behavioural treatment of child anxiety disorders

This training will help clinicians better understand how and why exposure-based treatment of child anxiety works, along with practical applications on how to use these methods with children and teens.

Dr. Daniel Chorney will highlight the research that supports this evidence-based approach and explain how clinicians effectively use behavioral methods in conjunction with cognitive methods to further improve outcomes in treating child anxiety. He will also review developmental considerations, specifically how to modify behavioral approaches for use with very young children (under 8), including how to involve family members in treatment.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, clinicians have observed a higher prevalence rate of child anxiety and related mental health concerns. As a result, professionals can disseminate these methods to families for use at home or in schools, helping children approach their fears rather than avoid them. The training will conclude with how to use these methods on various specific anxiety disorders, with time allotted for case discussions throughout.

Learning objectives:

• Knowledge of the theory and research supporting exposure-based treatment of anxiety. 
• Understanding of how to develop and implement a basic exposure-based treatment. 
• Application of exposure-based treatments to specific anxiety disorders in children.