Coaching Approach Behavior and Leading by Modeling (CALM) Program for Treating Early Childhood Anxiety: A Case Study

Anxiety disorders onset earlier than most mental health conditions, with preschool-age children showing prevalence rates comparable to children ages 5 to 17 years. Yet, there are limited treatment options suitable for preschool-age children that account for still-developing abstract thinking and metacognition. The Coaching Approach Behavior and Leading by Modeling (CALM) Protocol was adapted from Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to target a broad range of anxiety disorders in children ages 3 to 8 years. This case study outlines the implementation of a 10-session CALM treatment protocol for a 5-year-old female presenting with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The treatment implemented PRIDE skills through parent coaching, followed by exposure-based sessions. Post-intervention assessments indicated significant improvement in anxiety symptoms measured by the Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS) and high parent satisfaction measured by the Therapy Attitude Inventory (TAI). These findings support early intervention through parent-coaching as a viable alternative to cognitive therapies for young children with anxiety disorders.