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Utilization and Implementation of Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Maltreated Children

NCJ Number
239269
Journal
Child Maltreatment Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2012 Pages: 80-85
Author(s)
Brian Allen; Jennifer C. Johnson
Date Published
February 2012
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study examined clinicians reports of the utilization and implementation of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) in children's advocacy centers (CACs) across the United States.
Abstract
Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is one of the most researched and widely disseminated interventions for maltreated children. This study describes the findings of a survey of 132 mental health clinicians in children's advocacy centers (CACs) across the United States to determine the percentage of clinicians who are trained in and utilize TF-CBT and the frequency with which TF-CBT components are implemented. A total of 103 (78 percent) of the clinicians reported being trained in and utilizing TF-CBT on a regular basis; however, only 66 percent of these clinicians (58 percent of the full sample) reported being likely to use each component. The most preferred components were teaching relaxation skills and providing psychoeducation, whereas teaching caregiver child behavior management skills, developing a trauma narrative, and cognitive restructuring were less preferred. Results are discussed in the context of continued dissemination efforts and implications for improving clinical practice. (Published Abstract)