Process Evaluation of an Early-Intervention Program for Mood and Anxiety Disorders Among Older Adolescents and Young Adults

Objective: Research to determine the best approach for providing early intervention for mood and anxiety disorders is imperative. The authors describe a process evaluation of an early-intervention program for transition-age youths with mood or anxiety disorders. Methods: Causal and logic models for pathways to care for the program, as well as descriptive data from 548 participating youths, are presented. Follow-up measures of functional improvement are reported. Results: Diagnostic characterization, symptom severity, and functional impairment of participants indicated that the model selected an appropriate catchment population without creating excessive overinclusion. Self-referred youths reported greater anxiety and substance use. Acceptance by the program was predictive of greater follow-through with treatment. Several variables, including frequent lifetime marijuana use, predicted loss to follow-up. At follow-up, youths were significantly functionally improved. Conclusions: This process evaluation indicated that the model provided appropriate early intervention for youths with mood or anxiety disorders without causing excessive overinclusion.