The Improvisation + Wellness arm will include a variety of techniques based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): behavior activation, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, exposure, and cognitive restructuring. The improvisation techniques will include using your truth (talk about what you know), making patterns (working with others in the group to create something that you all contribute to), yes…and (agreeing with others and building on what others contribute to activities/conversations).

The improvisation alone arm involves the same improv techniques as the improv + wellness arm, but without the wellness techniques. Improv techniques include using your truth (talk about what you know), making patterns (working with others in the group to create something that you all contribute to), yes…and (agreeing with others and building on what others contribute to activities/conversations).

The social craft group involves youth connecting with other youth while completing craft projects.

Theatrical improvisation exercises, the theatrical art of performance and storytelling without a script, will be combined with wellness techniques

Child anxiety and depression will be measured using a parent-report. The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale Parent Report (RCADS-P) is a 47-item measure that assesses parent-report of child anxiety and depressive symptoms. Parents respond to each item on a 4-point Likert-scale from 0 ("never") to 3 ("always). The measure yields 6 subscales including: separation anxiety disorder (SAD), social phobia (SP), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). There is also a total anxiety scale, which is the sum of the 5 anxiety subscales and a total internalizing scale, which is the sum of all 6 subscales. The RCADS-P has excellent psychometric properties, including high internal consistency and convergent validity. Higher scores indicate higher anxiety/depression symptoms. A T-score is created based on the child's age and gender.

Child anxiety and depression will also be measured using a youth report. The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) is a 47 item measure that assesses child report of child anxiety and depressive symptoms. Youth respond to each item on a 4-point Likert-scale from 0 ("never") to 3 ("always). The measure yields 6 subscales including: separation anxiety disorder (SAD), social phobia (SP), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). There is also a total anxiety scale, which is the sum of the 5 anxiety subscales and a total internalizing scale, which is the sum of all 6 subscales. The RCADS has been translated from English into Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, and Danish. The measure has good discriminant validity, internal consistency, and convergent validity and discriminates between anxiety and depression.

This is a measure designed by the research team that assesses cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT) Skills knowledge. Participants indicate whether each item is true or false. Items ask about whether thoughts and feelings influence one another, whether avoidance is a good idea when one is anxious about something, present-moment focus/mindfulness, diaphragmatic breathing, activity scheduling, progressive muscle relaxation, etc.

Youth mindfulness will be measured using the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure. The Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM) is a youth report measure that assesses present-moment awareness and non-judgmental responses to internal experiences. Youth rate each item on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 0 ("never true") to 4 "always true." The scale yields a total score with lower scores indicating greater mindfulness. Internal consistency of the scale is strong (α = .81-.84) and it correlates negatively with internalizing, externalizing, somatic symptoms.