Youth Mayo Clinic Anxiety Coach Randomized Controlled Trial

Mayo Clinic Anxiety Coach is a smartphone application based on cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders (i.e., exposure-based therapy) that can be used as 1) a stand-alone treatment requiring minimal provider contact, and 2) an augmentation of face-to-face treatment that increases clinician fidelity and patient adherence to evidence-based treatment. The design of Anxiety Coach is based on evidence and theory suggesting that information and communication technologies (ICTs) are well-suited for encouraging behavior change through 1) scheduled reminders to engage in therapeutic exercises, 2) point of performance support, 3) individually tailored information, 4) real-time symptom assessment, and 5) readily accessible asynchronous communication.

In the TAU condition therapists provide treatment consistent with their orientation and clinical judgment. Previous research suggests that TAU will include supportive therapy, relaxation, and cognitive restructuring. The format of treatment will be 6 to 12, 50-minute, face-to-face therapy sessions in the therapist's office, with flexibility to leave the office (e.g., for exposure).