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

Upcoming Cohorts:

There are no upcoming cohorts of this training planned at this time. Please check back again later.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be licensed to provide therapy services (LCP, LPC, LCSW, School Psychology, and others as applicable) or be under supervision by a licensed clinical supervisor to provide these services.
Possess a masters degree or higher in a mental health related field by the date of training.
Have at least 4 clients between the ages of ~3 - 24 years actively undergoing mental health therapy treatment on their caseload and must be able to maintain this minimum until the required consultation calls conclude.
Have at least one (1) resident of Fairfax County/City on their caseload OR work for an organization that is located in Fairfax County/City.
Complete the pre-requisite web training “TF-CBT 2.0 Web” prior to the first day of live training.
Be available to attend all three training days without interruption and commit to arriving on-time and staying for each full day.
Commit to active and enthusiastic participation in all required consultation calls.
Complete brief surveys used to evaluate the training program(s).
It is highly recommended that participants read Treating Trauma and Traumatic Grief in Children and Adolescents, 2nd Ed.

If accepted to this training, participant will have additional responsibilities during the consultation calls (number of clients receiving TF-CBT, call attendance requirements, etc.,)

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Unless otherwise stated in a training program's official 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.

Training Features

Target Audience: Licensed behavioral health clinicians (and those undergoing clinical supervision for licensure).
Target Treatment Population: children, adolescents, and young adults with full or subclinical PTSD (ages 3-24).
Clinical Focus: training in treatment of full or subclinical Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder using the TF-CBT protocol.
Training Structure: Two 5-hour training days.
Post‑Training Consultation: 12 small group consultation calls held twice per month (required).
Delivery Format: Virtual.

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.