| Childhood anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders affecting youth today (Albano, Chorpita & Barlow, 2003). Despite significant advances in research and practice with predominantly middle class Caucasian children, much less is known about how to effectively treat anxious youth from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds (Safren et al., 2000; Silverman, Pina, & Viswesvaran, 2008). The Coping Cat, a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol, has been established as a probably efficacious treatment for childhood anxiety, particularly for generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and social phobia (Compton et al., 2010; Kendall, 1994; Kendall & Southam-Gerow, 1996; Kendall, Stafford, Flannery-Schroeder, & Webb, 2004). However, given its length (16 or 8 sessions) and involved nature, including between session homework and regular parental involvement, it may prove challenging for under-resourced families, many of whom face significant barriers to care (Eiraldi, Mazzuca, Clarke, & Power, 2006; Kendall, Settipani, & Cummings, 2012). Certain suggestions and adaptations, as outlined in this paper, will increase its efficacy for those from racial and ethnic minority families, particularly in urban settings. |
