Protected: First Approach Skills Training (FAST)

Course Outline

We offer two training options in FAST for licensed clinicians: the FAST Short Course and the FAST Full Series. The FAST programs consist of evidence-based strategies to address common child and adolescent mental health concerns. They are flexible and can be used in places like schools or doctors’ offices, where longer treatments might not be possible. They are designed to be delivered in a flexible, modular manner in settings where full-length treatments may be difficult to deliver, including primary care and schools.

FAST Full Series supports clinicians in building a strong set of skills to address a wide range of concerns across all stages of development, from early childhood through adolescence. Research on the implementation of the FAST programs shows that clinicians who are new to evidence-based treatments, as long as they have a master’s degree or higher, can successfully use these programs.

To learn more about each course—including cost and who can join—click the links below or download a full overview of both options.

FAST Short Course

The FAST Short Course includes online lessons and live workshops for the FAST-Anxiety and FAST-Behavior programs. It starts with online modules that teach the workbooks and main skills. Followed by two live workshops where participants can practice their skills and troubleshoot. After that, participants join three monthly group calls with a trainer to discuss real cases and adapt the programs for their setting.

Learn More About the FAST Short Course

FAST Full Series

The FAST Full Series includes online lessons and six live workshops preparing clinicians to deliver the FAST – Anxiety, Behavior, Depression, Early Childhood, Parenting Teens, and Trauma programs. The course also includes six monthly group calls with the trainer to talk through real cases and personalize the implementation of the programs for their setting.

Learn More About the FAST Full Series

About FAST

First Approach Skills Training (FAST) is a brief, evidence-based approach designed to support children, teens, and families with common mental health concerns. FAST is effective across diverse populations and is especially useful in settings like primary care clinics and schools, where longer-term therapy may not be available.

FAST teaches practical skills that help young people and their caregivers manage stress, emotions, and behavior. It is not intended to provide ongoing, open-ended therapy. Instead, FAST gives families tools they can use independently to reduce distress and improve well-being.

FAST programs are modular and flexible. Each module focuses on a specific concern—such as anxiety, behavior, depression, trauma, parenting teens, or early childhood challenges. Training typically includes a mix of online learning, live workshops, and group consultation calls. The Seattle Children's FAST website provides more details on the core concepts and materials for each module.

FAST is designed for licensed clinicians working in integrated care settings. It supports the delivery of brief, targeted interventions that fit within busy clinical workflows. These programs help meet patient needs while supporting clinician effectiveness and system efficiency.

Evidence Base

Hundreds of clinics in the U.S. and around the world use FAST programs. These include primary care offices, schools, community mental health centers, and specialty clinics. Studies show that FAST helps improve symptoms in children and teens related to behavior, anxiety, mood, and trauma. You can learn more about the research by visiting the Seattle Children's FAST website.

Continuing Education

The AIMS Center at the University of Washington is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education (CE) for psychologists. The AIMS Center maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CE credits can be used by most licensed mental health providers, including psychologists, nurses, clinical social workers, professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists. Clinicians should check their specific state requirements to confirm that these credits apply to them.

Participants are eligible for up to 11 CE credits (FAST Short Course) or up to 31 CE credits (FAST Full Series). To receive credits, participants must attend the entire course and pass a learning evaluation.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE INFORMATION

There are no relevant financial relationships to disclose for authors or planners of this content.

Washington State Providers:

The Seattle Children’s FAST Program offers free training opportunities for Washington-based providers. Contact FAST@seattlechildrens.org to learn more.