Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Remote Parent Training in Exposure Therapy for Youth...

Specific phobias (SPs) in childhood are common, impairing, and treatable, yet access to gold-standard exposure therapy remains limited. Parent-led interventions delivered via telehealth may help overcome these barriers. This pilot study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a co-designed, brief, group-based parent-training program in exposure therapy for SP of dogs, delivered via videoconference. Three families (children: M age = 7.33 years, SD = 0.58) completed three parent group videoconference sessions plus two boosters, and outcomes were assessed at post-treatment and at a 1-month follow up. Feasibility was excellent, with 100% retention; acceptability was supported by high satisfaction ratings and positive qualitative feedback. Clinician severity ratings of SP decreased significantly across time-points, parent-rated target symptoms declined, and all children met reliable change at post-treatment and 1-month follow-up based on their primary SP CSR. In regards to diagnostic remission (CSR < 4), rates were 33% at post-treatment, increasing to 67% at 1-month follow-up. Preliminary outcome analyses using non-parametric tests, suggested large effects for increased global functioning (CGAS), decreased parent-reported anxiety (SCAS-P) and child dysfunctional phobic beliefs, with stable child self-report anxiety (SCAS-C). Parent confidence in managing their child's SP improved, but not significantly. Findings support further evaluation of this potentially scalable model in larger controlled trials to determine efficacy.