The brief cognitive-behavioral COPE intervention for depressed adolescents: outcomes and feasibility of delivery in 30-minute outpatient visits.

BACKGROUND: Despite a U.S. prevalence of 9%, less than 25% of depressed adolescents receive treatment because of time constraints in clinical practice and lack of mental health providers available to deliver it.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and effects of a brief manualized seven-session cognitive-behavioral skills building intervention entitled COPE (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment) delivered to 15 depressed adolescents in routine 30-minute mental health medication management outpatient visits. STUDY
DESIGN: A preexperimental one group pre- and posttest design was used.
RESULTS: Adolescents reported significant decreases in depression, anxiety, anger, and destructive behavior as well as increases in self-concept and personal beliefs about managing negative emotions. Evaluations indicated that COPE was a positive experience for teens and parents.
CONCLUSION: COPE is a promising brief cognitive-behavior therapy-based intervention that can be delivered within 30-minute individual outpatient visits. With this intervention, advanced practice nurses can work with practice time limitations and still provide evidence-based treatment for depressed teens.