Core Components of School Avoidance Assessment and Treatment for Youth

2026 Clinician Education Series hosted by The Center for Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian Co-sponsored by the Weill Cornell Medicine Academy for Behavioral Health and Continuing Education Free Zoom registration: https://nyph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nlqxhHq6Ry-Q_D5iRo4_HQ#/registr... 1 CE Credit Hour Available FREE for Psychologists (NY & APA-accepted), Social Workers (NY) and Mental Health Counselors (NY) Learn more CE information: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:236cee6f-4672-4282-be4a-d5b1... Event Abstract: School avoidance, defined as missing school due to anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, is increasingly prevalent among youth. When left untreated, school avoidance may contribute to worsened mental health, family conflict and stress, poor academic functioning, social struggles, and delayed independence. Treatment for school avoidance is comprehensive and is based on a functional assessment of school-related anxiety and avoidance. Based on this assessment, interventions typically incorporate cognitive-behavioral strategies for mental health symptoms, caregiver support, and collaboration with a youth’s school. This webinar will review the key components of evidence-based assessment and treatment for school avoidance, special considerations for working with this population, and strategies to address treatment barriers. Learning Objectives: 1. Identify the four primary functions of school avoidance behavior in youth. 2. Describe one child-focused and one caregiver-focused intervention to address school avoidance behavior. 3. List one school-based support to improve school attendance for school avoidance youth. Featured Presenters: Stephanie Rohrig, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor of Psychology in Clinical Psychiatry, Weill Cornell MedicineAnthony Puliafico, Ph.D. - Associate Professor of Medical Psychology (in Psychiatry), Columbia University Irving Medical Center