Cognitive analytic therapy in child and adolescent mental health services: systematic scoping review of evidence

Cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) is a relational, time-limited psychotherapy primarily evidenced to support adults with emotional and relational difficulties. The extent of evidence for CAT in younger populations is not known. This paper aimed to collate all published articles describing CAT with under-18-year-olds and establish feasibility and effectiveness of CAT in this population. An initial systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL databases, with a second search using key terms and author names in the Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy website bibliography.

Thirty-seven articles were found to meet the inclusion criteria, 11 of which contained quantitative studies. Articles described CAT as individual therapy for young people or their parents, group therapy and consultation frameworks for staff and parents.

The limited evidence published on CAT in under-18-year-olds suggests that it is feasible and accessible. Further randomised controlled studies and publication of practice-based outcomes are required.