NameCool Kids
Target AudienceMiddle childhood (6-12 years) 
Parents
CfC ObjectiveSupporting Families and Parents 
Create Strong Child-Friendly Communities
OrganisationMacquarie University Centre for Emotional Health
Delivery SettingSchool-based; community–based; home-based
DescriptionA cognitive behaviour therapy program that teaches children and their parents how to manage anxiety disorders.
Delivered to

Children and young people aged 7-17 experiencing anxiety disorders, and their parents. Variations of the program for different groups are available including:

 

Face-to-face programs:

 

  • anxiety prevention program for parents of pre-school aged children (Cool Little Kids for parents of 3-6 years - see separate entry)
  • child anxiety program (delivered in schools: 7-12 years)
  • child anxiety program (delivered in community or private practice settings: 7-12 years)
  • adolescent anxiety program (delivered in schools: 12-17 years)
  • adolescent anxiety program (delivered in community or private practice settings: 7-12 years)
  • program for children with high functioning autism or Asperger’s Syndrome (delivered in community or private practice settings: 7-12 years)

Online treatment programs:

 

  • anxiety prevention program for parents of pre-school aged children (Cool Little Kids online for parents of 3-6 year olds)
  • child anxiety program (Cool Kids online for 7-12 year olds)
  • adolescent anxiety program (ChilledOut online for 12-17 year olds)

For more details about accessing the online programs: mq.edu.au/about/campus-services-and-facilities/hospital-and-clinics/centre-for-emotional-health-clinic/programs-for-children-and-teenagers

Delivered by

To deliver the program, facilitators must meet the following criteria:

 

  • 4 year undergraduate or 2 year postgraduate degree in health (psychology, counselling, social work, occupational therapy) or education; and
  • Additional training in cognitive-behavioural therapy (dedicated postgraduate subject, introductory workshop or online training from recognised provider).
Program Structure

A structured 10 session program run over a minimum of 10 weeks:

 

  • Learning about feelings and anxiety
  • Detective thinking, and learning to think more realistically
  • Ways that parents can help 
    Fighting fear by facing fear (stepladders)
  • Learning to solve a problem
  • Building assertiveness and dealing with teasing
Training

To run the program, you must complete training plus an online accreditation process. For more details please see: mq.edu.au/coolkids

 

Face-to-face workshops are conducted twice a year at the Centre for Emotional Health, Sydney. See: openmq.com.au/courses/Health

 

Onsite training can be arranged by contacting: coolkids.accrediation@mq.edu.au

 

Online training is also available: openmq.com.au/courses?s=CKAP01

 

If you're from a not-for-profit/community organisation that has a large number of employees (i.e. over 15 staff) that need to be trained and accredited in Cool Kids contact coolkids.accreditation@mq.edu.au

 

Participants are required to have a copy of the Cool Kids Anxiety Program Kit prior to attending training. Before purchasing any materials, check the advice given on the relevant program workshop page.

Cost

One-day face-to-face training workshop: $360 standard ($330 early bird).

Online training: $300 standard.

Accreditation: $300.

 

A program kit costs $65 and includes:

 

  • 1 x program manual
  • 1 x parent workbook
  • 1 x child workbook

Materials can be purchased from the Centre for Emotional Health: shop.centreforemotionalhealth.com.au/

ContactPhone: (02) 9850 8711 
Email: coolkids.accreditation@mq.edu.au 
Website: Cool Kids Anxiety Program or Centre for Emotional Health
Evaluation and effectiveness

The program has undergone 2 RCTS and several other evaluations. Children who participate in the program show improvements in school attendance, academic results, confidence, number of friends and involvement in extra-curricular activities, decreases in worry, fear and family distress.

 

Chalfant, A., & Rapee, R.M. (2007). Treating anxiety disorders in children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders: A controlled trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37, 1842-1857.

 

Hudson, J., Rapee, R.M., Deveny, C., et al. (2009). Cognitive-behavioral treatment versus an active control for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders: A randomized trial. Child and Adolescent Psychology, 48(5), 533-544.

 

Lyneham, H., & Rapee, R. M. (2006). Evaluation of therapist-supported parent-implemented CBT for anxiety disorders in rural children. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44, 1287- 1300.

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