One-session interventions for youth

Domain II · Behavioural & cognitive · Schleider · 2020

What it is

Single-session interventions (SSIs) are not one therapy but a class of deliberately complete, one-encounter interventions. In the 2017 meta-analysis an intervention counted as single-session if it involved one visit or encounter with a clinic, school or programme; content ranged from CBT, graded…

Format

• There are no multi-session phases: the whole intervention is one encounter, with a before, during and after. Two delivery formats exist.
• Length: about 20–30 minutes (Northwestern 2025 describes the current Project YES modules as about 15 minutes each); one sitting, self-administered on any internet device. The 2020 platform was optimised for desktop/laptop, not phones.

Who practises it, and how they are trained or regulated

• Training: none required; the lab offers optional implementation guidance.
• Who delivers: licensed clinicians, or advanced trainees under licensed supervision; training took under 3 hours using free OSF materials or a free live virtual training.
• Single-session interventions (SSIs) are not one therapy but a class of deliberately complete, one-encounter interventions. In the 2017 meta-analysis an intervention counted as single-session if it involved one visit or encounter with a clinic, school or programme; content ranged from CBT, graded exposure, behavioural activation and parent training to growth-mindset and motivational interviewing. This guide covers…

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Does it involve intense or unusual breathing? Have you been told about the medical conditions for which that is not advised?
• Does it use a device, heat, cold, water or a physical procedure? Has a medical professional checked that it is safe for you?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• overclaiming the science; keep it simple and true.
• introducing too many skills; MAPSS kept new skills few to avoid overwhelm.
• advice that is hopeless or self-blaming; treat it as clinical information and explore it.
• answers about other people changing; bring it back to what the client would do differently.
• generic advice; prompt for their own experience. Working sign: they argue the point in their own words.

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.