HLSC-H445: Implementation and Evaluation in Health Sciences and Rehab

Health/Rehabilitation Project 

CBT for Teens with MDD

1. Introduction: Biography and Career Goals
My name is Ariana Garcia, and I am currently pursuing my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences. I have a strong passion for mental health advocacy and improving access to effective, evidence-based interventions for underserved populations. My career goal is to become a PhysicianAssistant, where I hope to work closely with adolescents, particularly those facing mental health challenges. I am especially interested in integrating therapeutic practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into holistic care plans to support both emotional and functional recovery.

2. Objective(s): What I Learned From This Course
This course deepened my understanding of program development, evaluation models, and how to implement targeted public health interventions. I gained valuable knowledge about how to apply SMART goals, create logic models, and assess both qualitative and quantitative data. I also learned how to design and budget a mental health program that is both practical and impactful. These skills are essential for anyone entering a healthcare-related profession where program planning and outcome measurement are crucial.

3. Reflection: How My Final Project Will Help After College
My final project, a CBT-based group intervention for adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), will be highly applicable in my future career. As an Occupational Therapist, I will work with individuals who may also struggle with coexisting mental health conditions. Understanding how to apply CBT principles will enhance my ability to support clients in setting achievable goals and managing daily challenges. Additionally, developing this program has given me confidence in creating interventions that are both evidence-based and tailored to specific populations, an essential skill in both clinical and community settings.

4. Outline Format of the Project

• Title: CBT for Teens with Major Depressive Disorder
  
  

• Introduction

  • Prevalence of MDD in adolescents
    
    

  • Importance of early intervention
    
    

  • Rationale for choosing CBT
    
    

• SMART Goals
  
  

  • Specific: Weekly CBT sessions for teens aged 15–18
    
    

  • Measurable: Pre/post PHQ-A scores and participant journals
    
    

  • Achievable: Realistic schedule, budgeting, and facilitator support
    
    

  • Relevant: Aligned with public mental health goals
    
    

  • Time-Bound: 4-month program with set assessment points
    
    

• Budget and Resources
  
  

  • $15,000 for staffing, materials, transportation
    
    

  • Use of school and community facilities
    
    

• Evaluation Plan
  
  

  • Quantitative: PHQ-A depression scale
    
    

  • Qualitative: Participant reflections and engagement levels
    
    

• Stakeholder Engagement

  • Counselors, parents, school staff, and mental health professionals
    
    

• Conclusion

  • Empowering adolescents with tools for self-regulation and emotional health
    
    

5. Brief Summary
My final project focuses on a structured, group-based CBT intervention tailored for adolescents diagnosed with MDD. The program aims to reduce depressive symptoms through evidence-based strategies, improve emotional regulation, and build a support network among peers. It incorporates stakeholder collaboration, outcome evaluation, and sustainable planning. This experience has not only enhanced my understanding of mental health interventions but has also prepared me to create and lead programs that make a real difference in people’s lives. Nonetheless, it gave me an insight on how I can closely work with individuals as a future PA to aid in the support they need.

Project PDF