Connecticut Child STEPs

Child STEPs for Youth Mental Health in Connecticut

Connecticut Child STEPS is a randomized controlled trail investigating the effectiveness of MATCH-ADTC in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and/or behavioral problems in children seeking services at four Department of Children and Families (DCF) funded clinics in the state of Connecticut. The study will evaluate child outcomes following two forms of therapist training in the MATCH model.

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will investigate the effectiveness of a modular, transdiagnostic treatment protocol for youth with anxiety, depression, trauma, and/or behavioral problems (MATCH-ADTC) in four DCF funded clinics in the state of Connecticut. MATCH synthesizes common elements found across dozens of evidence-based treatments into one model that is flexible and responsive to the complex needs of children and families. The RCT will evaluate child outcomes following two forms of therapist training in the MATCH model: (1) the 6-day MATCH training only; (2) the 6-day MATCH training plus weekly ongoing case consultation with a MATCH consultant. Participating children are between the ages of 7 and 15.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 7 to 15 year old child and their caregivers
2. seeking services at community mental health clinics
3. primary problem or disorder related to anxiety, traumatic stress, depression, or conduct problems, or any combination of the four problems

Exclusion Criteria:

1. child is outside of 7-15 age range

2. child does not have elevations in the areas of anxiety, depression, conduct, or posttraumatic stress

3. child is experiencing other primary clinical problems outside of MATCH focus such as:

   • ADHD identified as primary reason for seeking treatment
   • Schizophrenic spectrum disorder including Major Depressive Disorder with psychotic features
   • Autism spectrum disorder including Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Child Disintegrative Disorder, Rett's Disorder
   • Eating disorder including Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa
   • Mental Retardation

4. having been hospitalized for suicidal thoughts or behaviors within the past year

5. if the problem area of focus is beyond the scope of outpatient treatment and MATCH (e.g., severe aggression, psychosis, severe current suicidal ideation)

6. if child does not have a primary caregiver that can be involved in treatment and complete research assessments