The MINT Anxiety Program provides comprehensive evaluations and state-of-the-art cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) for children and adolescents with primary anxiety or OCD concerns between the ages of 3 and 17.
What is CBT? CBT is an evidence-based, skills-focused therapy focusing on the “here-and-now” of child problems rather than on root causes. CBT is based on the concept that changing children’s negative thinking patterns and self-defeating behaviors can have powerful effects on their emotions and on their overall functioning and successes. CBT is a structured therapy, which involves a partnership between the family and therapist. CBT therapists work with children to develop coping skills to be more in control of their thoughts and their actions. CBT therapists work with parents to help them navigate difficult emotions and unhelpful behaviors (e.g., avoidance). We also aim to promote courage and bravery in children to foster long term success.
How is treatment delivered? Our cognitive-behavioral programs for children and adolescents with anxiety or OCD are offered to families in a number of different formats. In our first treatment option, we offer evidence-based treatment for children through our general Outpatient Treatment Program, in which services are offered–typically on a weekly basis–at our clinic at the Center for Children and Families at Florida International University. In our second treatment option, we offer intensive treatments for children with anxiety or OCD, in which families participate in multiple sessions a day for many days in a row. Our Intensive Treatment Program is particularly useful and popular among families who do not have expert mental health care options in their area. In our third option, we offer telehealth services to families near and far via a videoconference platform, Zoom.
For more information on the anxiety conditions we treat, click here. In addition to those listed, if you think your child is experiencing depression and/or an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder (such as hoarding, hair-pulling disorder, or skin-picking disorder), please call us, and we may be able to offer specialty evaluation and treatment. Fees are on a sliding scale and are based on family income. Therapists in our program include a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a Master’s level clinician, and students in training.