Improving care for children with anxiety and depression
Six months ago, Alaska Behavioral Health begun implementing a new evidence-based treatment for working with children and families. MATCH – ADTC stands Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Conduct Problems. The practice provides frequent opportunities for children and caregivers to reflect on problem areas and progress, and relies on that data to guide treatment effectively.
What we’ve done so far
Six clinicians have been trained in MATCH. As of August 31, 112 clients have participated in 563 MATCH therapy sessions; 50% of clients have engaged in MATCH’s protocol for depression, 28% in the conduct protocol, and 16% in the anxiety protocol.
Throughout MATCH treatment, children and caregivers complete brief problem assessments, to assess areas of greatest need and guide care.
Reviewing the data regularly for individual clients helps clinicians stay on track. Looking at the overall data provides insights into trends, obstacles, and areas for growth.
What will we do next?
Our next group of clinicians will be trained in MATCH in November, and begin working with clients soon after that. As part of on-going training, clinicians will attend weekly supervision specifically for the MATCH protocol, to work through any questions or challenges as they implement the new practice.