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Behavior Problems

Services for Kids in Primary Care (SKIP)

SKIP is an NIMH funded research project studying the benefits of specialized behavioral health services provided directly through a primary care setting in pediatric practices across Pennsylvania and other neighboring states.

This implementation trial seeks to disentangle and evaluate the effects of facilitation strategies that separately target the care team and leadership levels on implementation of a collaborative care model in pediatric primary care. Strategies targeting the provider care team (TEAM) should engage team-level mechanisms, and strategies targeting leaders (LEAD) should engage organizational mechanisms. We will conduct a hybrid type 3 effectiveness-implementation trial in a 2x2 factorial design to evaluate the main and interactive effects of TEAM and LEAD and test for mediation and moderation of effects. Twenty-four pediatric primary care practices will receive standard REP training to implement Doctor Office Collaborative Care (DOCC) and then be randomized to:

    Standard REP only,
    TEAM,
    LEAD, or
    TEAM+LEAD

Implementation outcomes are DOCC service delivery and change in practice-level care management competencies. Clinical outcomes are child symptom severity and quality of life. This statewide trial is one of the first to test the unique and synergistic effects of implementation strategies targeting care teams and practice leadership. It will advance our knowledge of effective care team and practice-level implementation strategies and mechanisms of change. Findings will support efforts to improve common child behavioral health conditions by optimizing scale-up and sustainment of CCMs in a pediatric patient-centered medical home.

Visit the SKIP for PA website | Selected Publications

Child Physical Abuse/Family Conflict

Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT)

AF-CBT is designed to resolve family conflicts concerns about use of physical discipline or actual physical abuse, and challenges related to children's behavior disorders. We host AF-CBT trainings regularly in various locations throughout the country.

Visit the AF-CBT website | Selected Publications

Firesetting

Services aimed at Fire Education and treatment for youth (SAFETY)

The SAFETY program offers educational and treatment services for children and adolescents involved with fire or firesetting. The program incorporates evidence based assessment and intervention procedures evaluated in our prior comparison studies and clinical trials.

Visit the SAFETY website | Selected Publications

Sexual Offending/Abuse

Services for Adolescent and Family Enrichment (SAFE)

The SAFE program is a collaborative effort with the Special Services Unit of the Allegheny County Court System. Since 1998, it has been providing therapeutic and probationary services to children adjudicated of a sexual offense and their families.

Visit the SAFE website | Selected Publications

Partners for Family Empowerment (PFE)

The SAFE program is a collaborative effort with the Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) as well as the Washington County Office of Children & Youth Services (CYS). Since 2019, it has been providing therapeutic and probationary services to children who have been displaying sexually improper behaviors that are intrusive, hurtful, or age-inappropriate.

Visit the PFE website