Evaluating Intensive Group Behavioral Treatment for Children With Selective Mutism

Evaluating Intensive Group Behavioral Treatment for Children With Selective Mutism

This goal of this study is to evaluate an intensive group behavioral treatment (IGBT) program for children with selective mutism, a low base-rate childhood anxiety disorder. 29 children between the ages of 5 and 9 will be randomly assigned to participate in a 5-day IGBT over the summer or to a waitlist control condition, with the opportunity to participate in IGBT 4 weeks later. All children that participate in treatment will be followed up 8 weeks into the following school year.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Meets diagnostic criteria for selective mutism
• Verbal with at least 1 parent or caregiver
• Child fluent in English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any mental health difficulty significantly more impairing than selective mutism