Initial Evaluation of a Stepped Care Model for Treating Mild to Moderate Childhood Anxiety in Primary Care

Objectives: In the past ten years in Sweden, a new form of primary care units called first line mental health (FLMH) has been implemented to improve mental health services for children and adolescents. Using a structured and collaborative approach including experts, clinicians, and patients, the investigators have developed a transdiagnostic psychological intervention for anxiety based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) that aims to fit the FLMH care context. The current study aims to test the CBT intervention "Step-by-Step" in a randomized pilot study (N=36) to explore the feasibility of the study design. Rationale for study: Childhood anxiety is common and associated with suffering and impairment in several life areas. CBT is an evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders in children, but there is a need of increasing access to treatment. Offering CBT for childhood anxiety in primary care is a way to offer early and accessible treatment. However, there is a lack of CBT interventions developed for and evaluated in primary care. Prior to a properly powered randomized controlled study, evaluating efficacy of the Step-by-Step, the investigators need to conduct a pilot study to, primarily, establish the feasibility of the study design and trial procedures and secondarily, provide preliminary data on acceptability and clinical efficacy.