Understanding Service Gaps and Support Opportunities in the Treatment of Childhood Anxiety

Globally, anxiety disorders represent the most prevalent mental health disorders in children and youth (Polanczyk et al., 2015), with an increasing number of individuals perceiving the need for professional help (Georgiades et al., 2019). It is unclear, however, where families are seeking help from, what barriers families are facing, and what services are being provided for effective management of symptoms. Two methods were used to investigate possible treatment support models; a questionnaire identified patterns in parental help-seeking behaviours and outlined perceived barriers to professional help, while a scoping review examined key components of parent/caregiver treatment models. Findings showed that parents are seeking help but with various levels of satisfaction, and that psychoeducation and exposure are two of the most prominent elements in parent-led interventions for children with anxiety. These findings collectively showcase how clinicians can increase the inclusion of parents/caregivers in children with anxiety when developing treatment plans