Integrated CARE: Adaptation of Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) Model for Use in Integrated Behavioral Pediatric Care

The authors adapted the established Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) interaction model for use in integrated behavioral health clinics. CARE was modified for delivery in the examination room, during routine primary care visits. Adopting a real-world implementation approach, clinical social workers were trained in the new model—IntegratedCARE—and provided the brief, 3-session treatment to 30 different parent-child dyads. Measurements included the Parental Stress Index–4 Short Form (PSI 4-SF), the Eyberg Childhood Behavior Inventory (ECBI), and the Therapy Attitude Inventory (TAI). There was a statistically significant mean score decrease on the both subscales of the ECBI at pre- and posttreatment. Scores on the TAI indicated that participants were satisfied with the treatment. Attrition rates were somewhat lower than similar studies. Findings indicate the IntegratedCARE model is feasible for sustainable delivery by trained behavioral health professionals in primary care.