ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a description of the characteristics, definitions, prevalence rates, and diagnoses of internalizing problems. The emphasis is on anxiety and depression, which sometimes co-occur, along with both externalizing problem behavior and substance abuse. The chapter presents the characteristics and risk factors of anxiety and depression separately, and discusses comorbidity. Mental health problems are most often associated with internalizing problems, particularly anxiety and depression. Friends is a prevention and treatment program for children and youths at risk of developing anxiety or for children and youths who already have an anxiety disorder. The chapter discusses evidence-based prevention and treatment programs designed to help alleviate the kinds of problems. The Modular Approach to Therapy for Children treatment model consists of four different treatment protocols, one for each of the problem areas: anxiety, depression, trauma, and conduct problems. The results of the assessment give direction for what the initial treatment focus and the primary treatment protocol should be.
