Brief Intervention

Brief Interventions (BIs) are treatment strategies from evidenced-based mental health interventions (eg, cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression, and parent management training for ADHD and disruptive behaviors) that can be used in the pediatric setting. Examples include:

• Providing education about mental health, reducing stigma, and providing hope that effective interventions are available
• Identifying strategies to help “lighten the load” using shared decision-making
• Using specific praise and/or rewards to encourage prosocial behavior or increase motivation

Several symptom-specific BIs have been adapted from evidenced-based mental health therapies and can be used successfully by pediatricians in the office setting.

Visit the Brief Intervention and Management key clinical activity for helpful resources and more information on symptom-specific BIs.