Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

TF-CBT is a structured, evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents experiencing trauma-related symptoms, typically delivered over 12–20 sessions by trained mental health professionals. It combines cognitive-behavioral strategies with trauma processing and includes active caregiver involvement. TF-CBT is one of the most empirically supported trauma treatments for youth, demonstrating strong reductions in PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and behavior problems across numerous randomized controlled trials.

Type: Evidence-based clinical treatment
Developers: Judith Cohen, Anthony Mannarino, Esther Deblinger
Target Population: Children and adolescents (ages 3–18) with trauma exposure, including abuse, violence, grief, and traumatic loss
Setting: Outpatient behavioral health, schools with clinical providers, child welfare, juvenile justice
Evidence / Ratings:

• CrimeSolutions.gov: Effective
• Blueprints, WSIPP, WWC, SPRC, CASEL, NDPC: Not listed (clinical treatment, not a youth program or school intervention)

Use Case: Appropriate when a licensed mental health clinician is treating a student with trauma exposure. Complements school-based trauma-informed efforts but is not a schoolwide program.

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