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Multiproblem Approaches (Child & Adolescent)

Scientific Ratings in this Topic
  • 1 Well-Supported by Research Evidence
  • 2 Supported by Research Evidence
  • 3 Promising Research Evidence
  • 4 Evidence Fails to Demonstrate Effect
  • 5 Concerning Practice
  • NR Not able to be Rated

Topic Areas

Topic Areas

Definition

Multiproblem Approaches (Child & Adolescent) are defined by the CEBC as mental health interventions that were developed specifically to address multiple disorders within one problem area (i.e., different anxiety disorders) or to address multiple problem areas (i.e., anxiety and depression). While many mental health interventions are designed for one specific disorder or problem, youth with behavioral health needs often have problems in more than one area. Studies have shown that up to 80% of youth seeking mental health treatment have multiple mental health disorders. In addition, for youth with multiple mental health disorders, their treatment needs may shift during care, with changes in problem severity, functioning, or external factors leading to changes in what is the most pressing need on any given day. Multi-problem approaches, also called “transdiagnostic” or “modular” approaches, are designed to be flexible enough to address multiple disorders in a single intervention.

  • Target population: Youth with a diagnosis of a mental health disorder, or with elevated mental health symptoms, as demonstrated by a standardized screening or assessment tool
  • Services/types that fit: Outpatient services, including individual, group, or family services
  • Delivered by: Mental health professionals
  • In order to be included: Program must specifically target multiple mental health disorder as a goal
  • In order to be rated: There must be research evidence (as specified by the Scientific Rating Scale) that examines mental health-related outcomes, such changes in symptom levels, behaviors, and/or functioning.

Downloadable Topic Area Summary

Definition

Multiproblem Approaches (Child & Adolescent) are defined by the CEBC as mental health interventions that were developed specifically to address multiple disorders within one problem area (i.e., different anxiety disorders) or to address multiple problem areas (i.e., anxiety and depression). While many mental health interventions are designed for one specific disorder or problem, youth with behavioral health needs often have problems in more than one area. Studies have shown that up to 80% of youth seeking mental health treatment have multiple mental health disorders. In addition, for youth with multiple mental health disorders, their treatment needs may shift during care, with changes in problem severity, functioning, or external factors leading to changes in what is the most pressing need on any given day. Multi-problem approaches, also called “transdiagnostic” or “modular” approaches, are designed to be flexible enough to address multiple disorders in a single intervention.

  • Target population: Youth with a diagnosis of a mental health disorder, or with elevated mental health symptoms, as demonstrated by a standardized screening or assessment tool
  • Services/types that fit: Outpatient services, including individual, group, or family services
  • Delivered by: Mental health professionals
  • In order to be included: Program must specifically target multiple mental health disorder as a goal
  • In order to be rated: There must be research evidence (as specified by the Scientific Rating Scale) that examines mental health-related outcomes, such changes in symptom levels, behaviors, and/or functioning.

Downloadable Topic Area Summary

Programs

Fostering Healthy Futures – Preteen

Preadolescent children (ages 9-11) who have current or previous child welfare involvement due to one or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

Scientific Rating 2

Programs

Fostering Healthy Futures – Preteen

Preadolescent children (ages 9-11) who have current or previous child welfare involvement due to one or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

Scientific Rating 2

Topic Expert

The Multiproblem Approaches (Child & Adolescent) topic area was added in 2021. Lucy Berliner, MSW and Benjamin Saunders, PhD were the topic experts and were involved in identifying and rating any of the programs with an original load date in 2021 (as found on the bottom of the program's page on the CEBC) or others loaded earlier and added to this topic area when it launched. The topic area has grown over the years and any programs added since 2021 were identified by CEBC staff, the Scientific Panel, and/or the Advisory Committee. For these programs, neither Ms. Berliner nor Dr. Saunders were involved in identifying or rating them.

Topic Expert

The Multiproblem Approaches (Child & Adolescent) topic area was added in 2021. Lucy Berliner, MSW and Benjamin Saunders, PhD were the topic experts and were involved in identifying and rating any of the programs with an original load date in 2021 (as found on the bottom of the program's page on the CEBC) or others loaded earlier and added to this topic area when it launched. The topic area has grown over the years and any programs added since 2021 were identified by CEBC staff, the Scientific Panel, and/or the Advisory Committee. For these programs, neither Ms. Berliner nor Dr. Saunders were involved in identifying or rating them.