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Table 1 Overview of the Back2School program

From: The Back2School modular cognitive behavioral intervention for youths with problematic school absenteeism: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Session number

Duration (h)

Participants

Session content

S-0

1.5

T, C, P

Structured assessment interview with the family conducted by the therapists (a clinical psychologist and a clinical psychology graduate student). The family receive handouts regarding psychoeducation and SMART goals as homework for session 1.

Clinical conference

1

T

The therapists are discussing the case formulation, choice of treatment modules, and treatment goals with a clinical psychologist at CEBU

S-1

1

T, C, P

Presenting and discussing the case-formulation with the family. Psychoeducation regarding school absence, and development of SMART goals.

S-2

1

T, P

Parent only session 1. Helping the parents to clarify and solve potential questions/problems regarding school placement, somatic symptoms in child, and parental motivation for change. Planning better routines at home. Working with potential sleep problems.

S-3

1

T, C, P

Planning the date for returning to school, and planning the first day back in school. Creating a gradual exposure plan for returning to school.

S-4

1

T, C, P

Psychoeducation regarding the youth’s primary problem related to school absence (anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems) by including the MMM Modules. Continuing work with the gradual exposure plan for returning to school.

S-5

1

T, C, P

Continuing work with CBT methods regarding the youth’s primary problem related to school absence (e.g. exposure, behavioral activation and/or cognitive restructuring) by including the MMM Modules. Continuing work with the gradual exposure plan for returning to school.

Working with boundaries.

S-6

1

T, P

Parent only session 2. Working with parent behavior. Identifying and reducing factors at home that maintain school absence.

S-7

1

T, C, P

Continuing to work towards returning to school. Revising gradual exposure plan. Focusing on how parents can support the youth in exposure exercises, and returning to school. Problem solving

S-8

1

T, C, P

Open session tailored to needs of the youth and parents. Continue working with CBT methods by including the MMM Modules.

Open session tailored to needs of the youth and parents. Continue working with CBT methods by including the MMM Modules.

S-9

1

T, C, P

S-10

1

T, C, P

Concluding the program. Focusing on maintaining and continuing the progress.

Booster

1

T, C,P

Focusing on maintaining and continuing the progress. Problem solving regarding relevant problems. Advise possible further help.

SM 1

1

T, P, S

Presenting and discussing the case formulation with the school. Planning the schools role in the youth’s return to school. Informing the school about the B2S and CBT approach.

SM 2

1

T, S

Following up on the youth’s progress in the school setting. Discussing potential academic difficulties, problems regarding bullying or other problems.

SM 3

1

T, S

Planning how the school can continue to help and support the youth. Discussing relapse prevention.

SM 4

1

T, S

Planning how the school can continue to help and support the youth. Discussing relapse prevention.

  1. Abbreviations: B2S Back2School, C Child, CBT Cognitive behavioral therapy, MMM Mind My Mind, P Parent, S School officials, S Session, SM School meeting, SMART Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-bound, T Therapist