Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Training

Training Features

  • Target treatment population: children, adolescents, and young adults with full or subclinical PTSD (ages 3-24)
  • Three 5-hour training days 
  • 12 twice monthly small group consultation calls 
  • Virtual format 
  • Offers training in treatment of full or subclinical Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Full Description

TF-CBT is an evidence-based intervention for youth, ages 3-24, who have significant emotional or behavioral difficulties related to one or more traumatic life events (including complex trauma) and their parent/caregiver. Youth do not have to meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD to receive TF-CBT. TF-CBT treatment has been shown to result in improvement in PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety symptoms, externalizing behavioral problems, sexualized behavior problems, shame, trauma related cognitions, interpersonal trust, and social competence.

TF-CBT has the strongest research evidence of any treatment model for traumatized children. Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCT) and replication studies, including international studies across Europe and Africa, have been conducted documenting the effectiveness of TF-CBT. The youth’s parent/caregiver is an important participant in treatment. Components of TF-CBT include psychoeducation; understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; relaxation skills; affect regulation; the trauma narrative; gradual exposure; enhancing youth safety; and addressing grief.

TF-CBT is recognized as a “Model Program” by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Certification is offered in TF-CBT. The TF-CBT Therapist Certification Program is designed to promote successful implementation and treatment fidelity. The certification process includes completion of a web-based course, an in-person training, and ongoing follow-up supervision calls with a TF-CBT expert. Clinicians who undergo the certification process are included in the TF-CBT National Register, which is used to help identify local TF-CBT certified clinicians during the treatment referral process.  More information about TF-CBT can be found at the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy National Therapist Certification Program, and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

General Eligibility Requirements:
Each consortia has a different set of eligibility criteria, please note where each one differs:

The Northern Virginia Regional Consortium for Evidence-Based Practice (NVRC):

  1. Participant must be affiliated with one of the 5 Region 2 Community Services Boards (City of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun or Prince William Counties)
  2. Participant must meet the stated education, licensure, professional specialty, and/or experience requirements outlined for the specific training for which they are applying.

The Fairfax Consortium for Evidence-Based Practice (FC-EBP):

  1. Participant must currently be providing therapy services to youth/adolescents who reside within Fairfax County/City, Virginia or - for certain trainings - supervise clinicians who are serving this population.
  2. Participant must be licensed or license eligible (e.g., undergoing Board-approved supervision for licensure) to provide clinical therapy services. State registrations or professional certification, in absence of a State license or Board-approved supervision, are not sufficient to attend most FC-EBP training programs.
  3. Participant must possess a masters degree or higher in a mental health-related field by the date of their training program.  
  4. Participant must attend the full duration of any training program to which they are accepted.  Barring emergencies, we do to allow partial attendance.
  5. Participant must complete 2-4 brief surveys used to evaluate the training program(s) over the 12-months following the training program.
  6. Participants of in-person trainings are responsible for paying out-of-pocket to park on GMU's campus.

Unless otherwise stated in a training program's application announcement, all of the above criteria apply. There are programs with additional requirements and programs with exceptions to these criteria; additions and exceptions are listed within training announcements and should not be assumed applicable across programs.

Email CEBBH@gmu.edu for further information and eligibility requirements.