Modular CBT for Youth: Principles and Guides

Abstract

The past decade has seen a proliferation of modular interventions. Modular interventions differ from traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) manuals by formalizing clinical decision-making via a system of rules and algorithms that clinicians can use to identify their clients’ needs and best strategies to address those needs. Depending on the intervention, this typically allows clinicians to personalize treatment (e.g., shuffling the order of modules, extending or shortening treatment duration). This chapter provides clarification about what constitutes a modular treatment by reviewing the four concepts of modularity and how these can help address common limitations of traditional CBT manuals. The chapter also reviews currently available modular CBT interventions for youth, common strategies for implementing modular treatments, and two case examples to help further clarify how to use modular design principles in clinical practice.