Rapid Evidence Review Behavioral Health

Rapid Evidence Review

This review assesses the existing evidence on interventions to help teens and young adults prevent and manage behavioral health challenges in middle and high school, college, community, and workplace settings. It provides an overview of the effectiveness of interventions targeting depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide prevention.

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This review, conducted over six weeks by AcademyHealth’s Translation and Dissemination Institute, examined previously synthesized evidence concerning the effectiveness of interventions conducted in middle and high school, college, community, and workplace settings that target depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide prevention. Supported by the Colorado Health Foundation, the review found that targeted interventions incorporating some type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can lead to small, but positive improvements in a range of behavioral health outcomes for teens and young adults. Resilience-focused interventions (which often incorporate CBT approaches) that target both individual and environmental factors also demonstrate small, positive improvements in depression, anxiety, and illicit drug use.