Blues Program

The Blues Program (Cognitive Behavioral Group Depression Prevention) is intended to actively engage high school students with depressive symptoms or at risk of onset of major depression. The program includes 6 weekly one-hour group sessions of 4-8 teens and home practice assignments. Weekly sessions focus on building group rapport and increasing participant involvement in pleasant activities (all sessions), learning and practicing cognitive restructuring techniques (sessions 2-4), and developing response plans to future life stressors (sessions 5-6). In-session exercises require participants to apply skills taught in the program. Home practice assignments are intended to reinforce the skills taught in the sessions and help participants learn how to apply these skills to their daily life.