Adapting an in-person transdiagnostic social skills program to online delivery: Technology to the rescue

Abstract

Social skills intervention programs have demonstrated treatment efficacy in session but putting that knowledge into practice is a critically important component. It requires simultaneous development of related essential skills, like emotion regulation and resilience. Additionally, transdiagnostic treatment methodologies, which are more cost-effective and increase accessibility, have become increasingly popular. However, accessibility remains a problem for in-person programs. LUNCH Groups® (www. lunchgroups.com), an in-person transdiagnostic program, incorporated various technology-based assessment and intervention elements as part of the original program design. These included a customized online assessment tool, home generalization app, computer animation projects, and online parent webinars. Their inclusion paved the way for a quick pivot to telehealth-based services while maintaining HIPAA compliance. The original in-person program is described along with the steps taken in the switch to telehealth, outlining the benefits and challenges that resulted. Attendance and attrition data indicated no problems after an initial adjustment period that coincided with the onset of the pandemic. Survey data indicated general satisfaction with the revised program structure and curriculum, with significant gains approximating those seen in the in-person version.