Meta‐analysis of culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression

In this meta‐analysis, we synthesized 42 between‐group studies (N = 4114) evaluating the effectiveness of culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (CA‐CBT) on reducing depression and anxiety severity when compared to waitlist/control groups and active alternative treatments. Separate random‐effects meta‐analyses revealed moderate‐to‐large effect sizes in favor of CA‐CBT on depression and anxiety when compared to active alternative treatments and waitlist/control groups. Independent random‐effects models revealed evidence of publication bias and indicated influential moderating effects on anxiety. Implications for counselor practice are discussed.