FAST Approach Programs

The following FAST program resources are recommended for Mental Health Clinicians. Resources specifically for Primary Care Providers and Parents and Caregivers are also available.

First Approach Skills Training for Anxiety (FAST-A)

FAST-A provides cutting-edge exposure-based treatment for anxiety in a brief, easy to use, workbook-guided format. FAST-A can be delivered in as few as four sessions, or in an open-ended way. The two-page educational caregiver handout can be given out by primary care or school-based providers as a first step in care. Some families may also benefit from using the FAST-A workbook independently when access to a counselor is limited. 

FAST-A materials

FAST-A training videos

FAST-A resources for

PCPs        Parents & Caregivers

First Approach Skills Training for Behavior (FAST-B)

FAST-B provides evidence-based parent/caregiver coaching to address behavior problems in children ages 4–11. FAST-B can be delivered in as few as four sessions, or in an open-ended way. Each session includes one to two skills for the caregiver to try out with their child to build a strong relationship, encourage more positive behaviors and set limits with problematic behaviors. The two-page caregiver handout can be given out by primary care or school-based providers as a first step in care.

FAST-B materials

FAST-B training video

FAST-B resources for

PCPs        Parents & Caregivers

First Approach Skills Training for Depression (FAST-D)

FAST-D provides evidence-based behavioral activation skills to teens and their caregivers. Materials include a two-page educational handout for teens and caregivers, which can be given out by primary care or school-based providers as a first step in care. The new FAST-D workbook is designed to teach skills in a flexible and engaging way, and requires minimal clinician training and preparation. 

FAST-D materials

FAST-D training video

FAST-D resources for

PCPs        Parents & Caregivers

First Approach Skills Training for Early Childhood (FAST-E)

FAST-E was developed to support caregivers of children ages 1-4 with promoting their child’s development, strengthening positive connections, and managing challenging behaviors. The workbook helps stressed parents better understand and bond with their child, use behavior management strategies with a developmental lens for younger children, and manage specific challenges such as tantrums, feeding and toileting concerns.

FAST-E materials

FAST-E training video

FAST-E resources for

PCPs        Parents & Caregivers

First Approach Skills Training for Parenting Teens (FAST-P)

FAST-P is a program for caregivers of teenagers ages 12–18 who want to work on family communication, dealing with teen emotions, improving family relationships and problem-solving around common issues such as homework and screen use. The program is adapted from evidence-based parent behavior management training and emotion coaching programs and incorporates guided problem solving and organizational skills. The workbook is organized into four “themes” and can be done in four sessions or broken down into smaller, shorter sessions. It can be used as a standalone program or alongside treatment for the teenager. FAST-P was evaluated for parents of teens with ADHD in a research study through Seattle Children’s Hospital.

FAST-P materials

FAST-P training video

FAST-P resources for

PCPs        Parents & Caregivers

First Approach Skills Training for Trauma (FAST-T)

FAST-T is a brief intervention covering core components of longer, evidence-based treatments for child and adolescent post-traumatic stress. It is designed to be flexible, given the diverse needs of youth following traumatic experiences, and can be delivered in 4-8 sessions, or in a more open-ended way. The two-page educational handout can be given out by primary care or school-based providers as a first step in care. The caregiver workbook may be used by caregivers independently. Guides for providers explain how to conduct trauma screening and how to talk with youth about traumatic memories.

FAST-T materials

FAST-T training video

FAST-T resources for

PCPs        Parents & Caregivers

FAST programs in development for

  • Addressing safety concerns
  • Early intervention for eating disorders

Ways to Learn FAST

In addition to our FAST approach programs materials, we offer:

Free, on-demand training videos for each of our programs, which walk you through the key ideas and show you how to use our freely downloadable handouts and workbook materials. Explore FAST videos.

Live, interactive web-based workshops, designed to give you hands-on skills practice and in-depth troubleshooting of common challenges that can come up for each program. Trainings are two to three hours for each program and currently free to primary care–based providers in Washington state. Contact us for more information.

Ongoing case-based learning and technical support, provided via video conferencing calls in small groups that meet every two weeks to discuss FAST cases and integration topics and troubleshoot challenges. Free for primary care–based providers in Washington state. Contact us to learn more.