Identifying and Treating School Avoidance in Adolescents

School attendance problems (SAPs) are a common struggle for many adolescents and families and often result in worsened mental health, family conflict and stress, poor academic functioning, social struggles, and delayed independence. Good evidenced-based treatments exist for school avoidance, yet the behavior is complex and can be difficult to treat. Using a case example, this didactic will review evidence-based strategies for assessing and treating school avoidance behaviors. We will discuss the importance of integrating family and school supports into treatment and skills to review with caregivers. 1 CE credit available to WCM Department of Psychiatry full time and voluntary faculty Psychologists, Social Workers and LMHCs, who sign in with their full name, attend the entire lecture and complete a survey which will be emailed following the completion of the lecture.