Evidence-Based Therapies for Specialists

In collaboration with the University of São Paulo, we are leading an effort to culturally adapt evidence-based treatment manuals aimed to be used by health service providers in Brazil. These manuals focus on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for child and adolescent anxiety (individual and group intervention formats), CBT for adolescent depression, and parent training for managing behavior problems in children (also individual and group-based). Expert judges from each of Brazil’s five regions will review the materials to ensure national relevance and cultural resonance. The initiative also includes the development of comprehensive clinical training materials—lectures, videos, and role-play demonstrations—designed to support effective implementation by local professionals. These materials will be freely available, providing resources to health professionals that are tailored and relevant to the Brazilian reality.

We are also working with the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness to culturally adapt scientifically backed therapies for children and adolescents, including CBT for anxiety and for depression, and parent training for child behavior issues. We will be evaluating the effectiveness of the culturally adapted therapies and then building online and face-to-face training for mental health professionals.