Using an evidence-based CBT group intervention model for adolescents with depressive symptoms: lessons learned from a school-based adaptation

This paper highlights the process of implementing and adapting an evidence-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) depression group intervention model for adolescents (ages 11-18) in two middle schools and one alternative high school in the USA. The paper describes the process of moving an evidence-based intervention from a clinic-based setting to a school-based setting by engaging in the following steps: (1) reviewing the literature and selecting the evidence-based intervention with the greatest chance of success in the school environment; (2) adapting the evidence-based intervention to address delivery issues in a school setting; (3) preparing social workers to deliver the evidence-based intervention with fidelity; (4) evaluating the fidelity and outcomes of the implementation of the evidence-based intervention; and (5) addressing issues of sustainability or continuous quality improvement of the evidence-based intervention. The paper concludes with a section on lessons learned from piloting an adaptation of an evidence-based intervention in a real world setting.