Treating Adolescents With CBT and OBH

Reweaving the Web: Treating Adolescents With CBT and OBH

The purpose of this study is to examine various behavioral, social, and emotional changes that result from engaging in an OBH and CBT treatment program designed for adolescents.

After being informed about the study and potential risks, all study participants, including minors and parent/guardians, giving written informed consent will complete a screening survey. The screening survey will support research staff in determining whether participants meet the inclusionary and exclusionary data, including meeting scores on the Youth Outcome Questionnaire and the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale. If participants are eligible based on preliminary criteria, they undergo a screening interview. If participants are eligible following the screening interview and complete a second informed consent, minors and parents/guardians, they will be randomized in a partially-blind, parallel-group study conducted in the United States (7 Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare programs and up to 42 CBT-licensed therapists).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Between the ages of 13 and 17 years of age
• 5th grade reading level
• For minors, informed assent
• Parental informed consent and adult consent to participate in the study
• Current diagnosis of Depression and/or Anxiety per parent report, parental interview, and score of 65 on the RCADS. Youth with comorbid diagnoses of these listed diagnoses are eligible
• Current secondary diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder (optional)
• Score greater than a 47 on the YoQ-2.0
• Willingness to participate in all aspects of the treatment programs
• Has the ability to carry a pack that is 1⁄4 their body weight

Exclusion Criteria:

• Primary Diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder
• Antisocial Personality
• Level 2 or higher Autism Spectrum
• Schizophrenia
• Actively suicidal
• Eating disorders
• BMI greater than 34
• Diabetic
• Physical ailments or disabilities limiting person from hiking, camping, backpacking
• Specific medications including Anxiolytics/Benzodiazepines, Opiates, or multiple Antipsychotics and Mood Stabilizers
• Youth who have a positive pregnancy test
• Participation in another treatment or intervention study within one year of beginning the study
• Individuals currently suffering from detoxification as a result of drug use in the last five days. If drug use occurs during this time period, the participant must wait until they have achieved five days of substance free behavior. This is done to prevent contraindications of treatment (e.g., interaction between drugs and the environment)
• Currently practicing violent behaviors to self or others within the past year per Parent Report
• Currently experiencing hallucinations (hearing voices or seeing things that are not there)