Social Work for Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders

This class explores social workers’ roles in child/adolescent anxiety, covering symptoms, assessment, CBT adaptations, school-based support, case studies, parent collaboration, and advocacy.

🕒 3 CE HOURS

COURSE LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

Date of course creation/update: 03/22/2025

CE Broker Tracking NO: #20-1352860

Education Pathways, LLC provider #2485, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 02/05/2026–02/05/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical continuing education credits.

This online reading-based asynchronous distance learning course :

introduces the role of social workers in addressing anxiety disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. While anxiety presents with similarities across age groups, there are important differences in symptoms, assessment, and treatment strategies. Disorders unique to children, such as separation anxiety and selective mutism, are explored. Evidence-based models like CBT are discussed, including modifications for younger populations and applications in school settings. Case studies provide concrete examples of treatment planning from initial assessment through intervention. The course also highlights collaboration with parents and advocacy for community services to support children and families affected by anxiety.

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Learning Objectives:

Define anxiety disorders and identify common types in children and adolescents.
Apply ecological systems theory, trauma-informed care, and strengths-based approaches in treatment.
Compare and contrast standardized assessment tools (e.g., SCARED, MASC).
Adapt CBT and other evidence-based interventions for children and adolescents.
Utilize play therapy, mindfulness, guided imagery, and family-based interventions.
Address cultural considerations and build trust with diverse families.
Develop treatment plans and advocate for early intervention programs.
Apply exposure therapy and other strategies in case studies.
Explore telehealth, digital tools, and systemic changes for future practice.

View Course Timed Agenda

Introduction (17 minutes)

Overview and definition of anxiety disorders
Prevalence rates in children and adolescents
Differentiating normal anxiety from clinical anxiety
Common types of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents
Risk factors and causes

The Role of Social Work in Anxiety Disorder Interventions (14 minutes)

Ecological systems theory perspective
Trauma-informed care in treatment
Strengths-based approaches
Ethical and legal considerations (confidentiality, informed consent, mandated reporting)
Interdisciplinary collaboration in schools, clinics, and communities

Assessment and Diagnosis (8 minutes)

Intake and screening procedures
Comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment
Red flags and symptoms in children/adolescents
Standardized tools: SCARED, CBCL, MASC
Clinical interviews and observations
Differential diagnosis (anxiety vs. ADHD, depression, autism, trauma)
Impact of co-occurring disorders

Evidence-Based Interventions (10 minutes)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) adaptations for children/adolescents
Play therapy and expressive therapies (art, music, drama, sand tray)
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBCT, guided imagery, PMR, grounding)
Family-based interventions (PMT, COS, PCIT)
School-based interventions (SEL programs, counseling, accommodations, teacher training)
Evaluating treatment progress and modifying plans

Cultural Considerations (75 minutes)

Cultural variations in anxiety presentation
Adapting interventions for diverse populations
Building trust with families from diverse communities
Addressing language and communication barriers

Case Management and Advocacy (25 minutes)

Case management strategies and coordination of care
Assisting families in accessing services
Crisis intervention strategies
Advocacy for children with anxiety disorders

Case Studies (19 minutes)

Case Study 1: Child with GAD (assessment, intervention, outcomes)
Case Study 2: Adolescent with SAD (assessment, intervention, outcomes)
Case Study 3: Child with Selective Mutism (assessment, intervention, outcomes)

Future Directions (12 minutes)

Digital mental health tools (apps, teletherapy, VR, trackers, gamified interventions)
Telehealth applications with AI (virtual therapy, psychoeducation, exposure therapy)
AI in assessments (chatbots, sentiment analysis, wearables, predictive analysis)
Policy and systemic changes to support child mental health

Total Minutes: 180

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