School-Based Anxiety Treatments for Children and Adolescents

Anxiety disorders are the most common class of psychopathology among youth, yet many of these youngsters do not receive treatment. This is particularly concerning given the chronic course of anxiety disorders, which often lead to mood disorders, substance abuse, and serious impairment. Schools are an optimal venue for identifying anxious students and delivering mental health treatment given access to youth and ability to overcome various barriers to treatment. This article reviews four school-based treatments for anxiety disorders that have been evaluated in controlled trials. Discussion centers on feasibility, challenges to school-based implementation, and future research directions for this critical area.