The effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral program, Transition Preparation Training (TPT), in combination with spina bifida (SB) management was compared to adolescents with SB who received only SB management. Design, setting and participants: Prospective controlled trial with an ethnically diverse sample (94%) of 65 adolescents with SB (31 in treatment group [mean age: 16.19]; 34 in control group [mean age: 15.71]) conducted at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles between September 2006 and September 2008. TPT was a three-module, eight sessions program offered in a 2 day workshop format to facilitate development of health care transition plan. Subjective well being as measured by the Personal Adjustment and Role Skills Scale (PARS III), Role mastery measured using Community Life Skills Scale (CLSS), and Self Care Practice with the Denyes Self-Care Practice Instrument (DSCPI-90©). No significant differences were found between groups of any treatment effect or treatment follow-up interaction. No substantial changes in the scores either between treatments of post treatments were found.