Coping Cat
Coping Cat is a cognitive behavioral treatment that assists children aged 7-13 in (1) recognizing anxious feelings and physical reactions to anxiety; (2) clarifying cognition in anxiety-provoking situations (i.e., unrealistic expectations); (3) developing a plan to help cope with the situation (i.e., determining what coping actions might be effective); and (4) evaluating performance and administering self-reinforcement as appropriate. The intervention uses behavioral training strategies with demonstrated efficacy, such as modeling real-life situations, roleplaying, relaxation training, and contingent reinforcement. Throughout the sessions, therapists use social reinforcement to encourage and reward the children, and the children are encouraged to verbally reinforce their own successful coping.
Accepted to the Portfolio:
- Petaluma People Services Center - June 2012
- California Parent Institute - July 2015
This is an Evidence-Based program! Learn more
Target Outcomes
Short Term Outcomes
- Recognizing and understanding emotional and physical reactions to anxiety
- Clarifying thoughts and feelings in anxious situations
- Developing plans for effective coping
- Evaluating performance and giving self-reinforcement
Long Term Outcomes
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved performance at school
Target Population
Demographics
- Early Childhood (0 - 5)
- Childhood (6 - 12)
- Transitional Age Youth (16 - 24)
Service Area
- Southwest (District 2)
- Central (District 3)
- Northwest (District 5)
Information
Program Funders
Many thanks to the following funders for making this program possible.
Local Funders
- Fee for service
- Sonoma County Child Protective Services
- Sonoma County Department of Health Services
Other Funders
- Medi-Cal
Program Implementers
The following organizations implement this program locally: