CfC FP ObjectiveSupporting Families and Parents 
Create Strong Child-Friendly Communities 
Delivered toChildren and young people aged 7 to 17 experiencing anxiety disorders, and their parents
Delivered byTrained facilitators
Delivery settingSchool-based; community–based; home-based 
Program developerMacquarie University Centre for Emotional Health 

About the program

Cool Kids is a cognitive behaviour therapy program that teaches children and their parents how to manage anxiety disorders. 

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: 3 to 6 year – see our Cool Little Kids page)
    • child anxiety program (delivered in schools: 7 to 12 years)
    • child anxiety program (delivered in community or private practice settings: 7 to 12 years)
    • adolescent anxiety program (delivered in schools: 12 to 17 years)
    • adolescent anxiety program (delivered in community or private practice settings: 7 to 12 years)
    • program for children with high functioning autism or Asperger’s Syndrome (delivered in community or private practice settings: 7 to 12 years)
  • Online treatment programs:
    • anxiety prevention program for parents of pre-school aged children (Cool Little Kids online for parents of 3 to 6 years)
    • child anxiety program (Cool Kids online for 7 to 12 years)
    • adolescent anxiety program (ChilledOut online for 12-17 years)

For more details about accessing the online programs visit the Macquarie directory.

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 

Facilitator training

To deliver the program, you must have:

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

To run the program, you must complete training plus an online accreditation process.

Face-to-face workshops are conducted twice a year at the Centre for Emotional Health, Sydney.

Onsite training can be arranged by contacting the facilitators.

Online training is also available.

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, contact the facilitators.

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.

If you're from a not-for-profit/community organisation that has a large number of employees (i.e. 15 or more staff) that need to be trained and accredited in Cool Kids we offer a discount. The fee is $500 per head for training and accreditation. A saving of $100. 

Evaluation and effectiveness

The program has undergone 2 randomised controlled trials 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. 

References

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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