How to Use This Chapter
This chapter guides the instructor on teaching evidence-based behavioral activation (BA) strategies to reduce depressive symptoms. The goal of this chapter is to prepare the new practitioner to work in community-based practice with patients or clients experiencing elevated depressive symptoms. Instructors may choose to add topics related to the use of BA strategies for different service settings or related to evidence-based adaptations for diverse patient populations. BA is a brief evidence-based behavioral intervention for use in primary care, other medical and mental health care, and community settings. BA strategies teach patients who are experiencing depressive or anxiety symptoms a set of skills to re-engage in valued life activities that they once found rewarding and enjoyable. Research shows that BA significantly improves patient outcomes in a wide range of settings and patient populations (Cuijpers et al., 2023; May et al., 2024).
Activity: Introduction to Behavioral Activation Strategies
- Video – Part 1: Introduction to Behavioral Activation Strategies (duration: 03:39)
- Video – Part 2: Introduction to Behavioral Activation Strategies (duration: 06:12)
- Handout – List of symptoms and behaviors
- Handout – Facts about Depression [‘Form A – Client Education’]
- Handout – Vicious Cycle [‘Form B – Vicious Cycle’]
Activity: Socializing Patients and Symptom Review (Step 1)
- Video – Step 1: Socializing Patients and Symptom Review (duration: 5:45)
- Video: Role-play demonstration of Step 1 (duration 8:40)
- Handout – Agenda for Session 1
- Handout – BHSS Intro Script
Activity: Psychoeducation and Engagement (Step 2)
- Video – Step 2: Psychoeducation and Engagement (duration 4:53)
- Video: Role-play demonstration of Step 2 (duration: 12:20)
- Handout – Client Education [‘Form A – Client Education’]
- Handout – Vicious Cycle [‘Form B – Vicious Cycle’]
Activity: Developing Activity List (Step 3)
- Video – Step 3: Developing Activity List (duration: 5:54)
- Video: Role-play demonstration of Step 3 (duration: 14:00)
- Handout – Activity Form [‘Form C – Activity Form’] – Coming soon
Activity: Scheduling Activities (Step 4)
- Video – Step 4, Part 1: Scheduling Activities (duration: 10:37)
- Reframing Activity Resource – Coming soon
- Video – Step 4, Part 2: Scheduling Activities (duration: 6:39)
- Video: Role-play demonstration of Step 4 (duration: 14:00)
Activity: Follow-up Sessions (Step 5)
- Video – Step 5: Follow-up Sessions (duration: 9:08)
- Video: Scenario A – Patient is Improving (duration: 5:50)
- Video: Scenario B – Patient is Not Improving (duration: 10:12)
- Handout – Action Plan [‘Form D – Action Plan’] – Coming soon
- Handout – Relapse Prevention Plan [‘Form E’] – Coming soon
- Handout – Relapse Prevention and Termination – Coming soon
Activity: Fidelity Rubrics
- Fidelity rubric for Session 1
- Fidelity rubric for follow-up session(s) – Coming soon
Resource: Behavioral Strategies Role-Play Demo: Full Session
- Role-Play Demo: Full Session (duration 50:00) – Coming soon