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.