Now in a revised and expanded second edition, this popular bestselling guide provides expert information and clear-cut strategies for assessing and treating internalizing problems in school settings. More than 40 specific psychoeducational and psychosocial intervention techniques are detailed, with a focus on approaches that are evidence based, broadly applicable, and easy to implement. Including 26 ready-to-use worksheets, in a large-size format with permission to photocopy, the second edition has been updated throughout to ensure its currency and clinical utility. Coverage of psychiatric medications has been extensively revised with the latest developments and findings. A new chapter addresses prevention-oriented social and emotional learning curricula for the classroom.

Reviews

"Depression and anxiety among children and adolescents are widely experienced yet frequently overlooked and undertreated, especially in schools. In this updated and highly useful guide, Merrell provides a practical, evidence-based approach to the assessment and treatment of these two disorders. A particularly useful addition to the second edition is the information presented on social and emotional learning and its utility for mental health promotion. This text fills a major need among mental health professionals working in schools, including school psychologists, counselors, and social workers."
-David N. Miller, PhD, Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York

"Merrell's writing reflects both his expertise and his ability to make the assessment and intervention process accessible to busy practitioners and students. The second edition incorporates important, current information related to prevention and early intervention, progress monitoring, and medications. The book also anticipates a range of common questions that practitioners may ask, including those related to gender composition in groups, diversity issues, and efficient data collection."
-Ellie Young, PhD, Counseling Psychology and Special Education Program, Brigham Young University

"The second edition of this highly regarded book retains the excellent qualities of the original volume. It is well written, easily understandable by the beginning graduate student, and yet clearly of value to the experienced practitioner. The book is highly practical and accessible, contains much hands-on information, and evaluates interventions in terms of their theoretical and empirical support. The important new chapter on social and emotional learning as part of a three-tiered intervention approach expands the discussion currently underway about response-to-intervention models."
-Caroline H. Wandle, PhD, Director, School Psychology Program, Department of Education, Tufts University

Contents

Index of Intervention Programs and General Intervention Strategies, with Descriptions of Purpose and Developmental Level

List of Specific Treatment Techniques for Depression and Anxiety, Grouped by Program Component

1. Understanding Internalizing Problems: Depression and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents
2. How Internalizing Problems Develop and Are Maintained
3. Guidelines for Assessment and Intervention Planning
4. Social and Emotional Learning: An Important Tool for Promoting Mental Health
5. Comprehensive Intervention Programs for Depression
6. Changing Thoughts and Beliefs: Cognitive Therapy Interventions for Depression
7. Changing Thoughts and Beliefs: Rational-Emotive Therapy, Attribution Retraining, Learned Optimism, and Journal-Writing Strategies
8. Other Strategies for Depression
9. Behavioral Treatments for Anxiety: Systematic Desensitization and Other Techniques
10. Skills Training and Other Treatments for Anxiety
11. Finding More Help: Referral Guidelines for Mental Health Counseling, Medications, and Alternative Treatments

Appendix: Reproducible Worksheets