Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Youths With Anxiety Disorders

The intervention is a therapist-guided, internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) program primarily based on exposure therapy, involving the gradual confrontation of feared situations and/or stimuli. Treatment is accessed through a smartphone, tablet or laptop/desktop device. The 12-week intervention is available in two different versions depending on the participant's age: one for 8-12-year-olds and one for 13-17-year-olds. Each version consists of separate logins to 12 modules (chapters) for the child/adolescent and 12 modules for the caregivers. Both the child/adolescent and caregiver have individual contact with a trained therapist over the internet platform. The therapist provides feedback, responds to questions and sends reminders to complete the next module if required. Communication is carried out via text messages in the platform, via telephone (if deemed justified) and through a scheduled telephone or videoconference call approximately 4-5 weeks into treatment.