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Clinicians' Attitudes Towards the Use of Computerized Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (cCBT) with Children and Adolescents

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2010

Paul Stallard ,
Thomas Richardson  and
Sophie Velleman
Paul Stallard*
Affiliation:
University of Bath, UK
Thomas Richardson
Affiliation:
University of Bath, UK
Sophie Velleman
Affiliation:
University of Bath, UK
*
Reprint requests to Paul Stallard, MHRDU, School for Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK. E-mail: p.stallard@bath.ac.uk
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Abstract

Background: Research has begun to examine the effectiveness of computerized cognitive behaviour therapy (cCBT) with children and adolescents. Although cCBT appears promising, the attitudes of clinicians towards this type of intervention with children and young people have not been assessed, yet these are important in determining when and if cCBT will be offered. Aims: To survey clinicians’ attitudes towards cCBT with children and adolescents. Method: A self-report questionnaire was completed by 43 mental health professionals attending a conference. Results: Clinicians were cautious but generally positive about the use of cCBT with children and adolescents, particularly for the delivery of prevention programmes and in the treatment of mild/moderate problems. Few felt that cCBT should be available freely online without any professional support. Indeed, the lack of a therapeutic relationship and professional support were identified as the biggest problems, whilst the potential to use cCBT at home was the greatest advantage identified. Conclusions: This survey suggests that clinicians are generally positive about the use of cCBT with children and adolescents for the prevention and treatment of mild/moderate problems. Further research is required to address clinicians’ concerns about the effectiveness of cCBT for more substantial problems and the level of therapeutic support required.

Keywords

ComputerCBTattitudeschildrenadolescentsclinicians
Type
Research Article
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 38 , Issue 5 , October 2010 , pp. 545 - 560
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2010

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