Checkmate Plus Books

Helping Students Overcome Depression and Anxiety
A Practical Guide

Kenneth W. Merrell

Depression, anxiety, and other internalizing disorders can have severe and lasting consequences for children and adolescents. This unique book provides clear-cut strategies for addressing these problems creatively and effectively with students in grades K-12. A concise overview of the nature, development, and course of childhood depression and anxiety is delineated, and a comprehensive assessment model is outlined. Chapters then present a wide range of empirically supported interventions that are easy to implement and readily adaptable to diverse settings. Cognitive-behavioral and psychoeducational techniques are described in jargon-free language, and numerous reproducible handouts, worksheets, and exercises are included to facilitate the practitioner's day-to-day work. Other topics covered include currently available psychiatric medications for depression and anxiety, and when and how a psychiatric referral should be made.

Note about photocopy rights: The Publisher grants to individual purchasers of this book nonassignable permission to reproduce the handouts and worksheets for clinical use. For details and limitations, see copyright page.

Contents

1. Understanding Depression and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents
2. How Depression and Anxiety Develop and Are Maintained
3. Guidelines for Assessment and Intervention Planning
4. Comprehensive Intervention Programs for Depression
5. Changing Thoughts and Beliefs: Cognitive Therapy Techniques for Depression
6. Changing Thoughts and Beliefs: Rational-Emotive Therapy, Attribution Retraining, Learned Optimism, and Journal-Writing Strategies for Depression
7. Behavior Change, Emotional Education, Interpersonal Problem-Solving, and Conflict Resolution Strategies for Depression
8. Behavioral Treatments for Anxiety: Systematic Desensitization
9. Social Skills Training and Other Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Anxiety
10. Finding More Help: Referral Guidelines for Mental Health Counseling, Psychiatric Medications, and Alternative Treatments
Appendix: Reproducible Worksheets

Reviews

"An exceptionally useful book. Merrell cuts directly to the essential points--what internalizing disorders are, how they can best be recognized and assessed, and which specific interventions work....An excellent resource for practitioners and trainers, this is also an appropriate text for courses in child counseling and therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and school-based interventions."
-Harriet Cobb, EdD, James Madison University

"Childhood internalizing disorders often do not receive as much attention as they should, particularly in school settings. Dr. Merrell's text provides a welcome response to this problem....A unique and invaluable resource."
-David N. Miller, PhD, University at Albany, State University of New York

"This manual provides a well-integrated compendium of successful treatment approaches. Filling a major need, this is a valuable resource for school psychologists, social workers, school counselors, and mental health professionals."
-Paula Freer, MSW, PhD, Coordinator of Psychological Services, Troup County, GA, Public Schools

"This well-written, reader-friendly book blends Merrell's research expertise in the area of childhood internalizing disorders with his sensitivity as a clinician. The discussion of real issues and situations that occur when therapy is conducted in the school setting makes this an important resource. Graduate students learning to do therapy and school-based practitioners looking to help youth suffering from anxiety or depression will benefit from reading this book."
-Jeff Laurent, PhD, Illinois State University