How to Find the Right Therapist for a Child with PTSD

Many therapists claim to have training in treating trauma-related mental health issues. Unfortunately, some of these therapists do not use evidence-based and/or trauma-informed approaches. To ensure your child gets the best care, it is important that the therapist you choose: 1) practices evidence-based therapy, 2) is trained in trauma-specific therapies, and 3) works in a trauma-informed setting.

• Evidence-based means that the therapy has been rigorously studied and shown to effectively reduce children’s painful emotions and harmful behaviors.
• Trauma-specific means that the therapy was designed to address the specific reactions to trauma. To provide trauma-specific clinical interventions, an organization and provider must be trauma-informed.

Many therapists claim to have training in treating trauma-related mental health issues. Unfortunately, some of these therapists do not use evidence-based and/or trauma-informed approaches. To ensure your child gets the best care, it is important that the therapist you choose: 1) practices evidence-based therapy, 2) is trained in trauma-specific therapies, and 3) works in a trauma-informed setting.

• Evidence-based means that the therapy has been rigorously studied and shown to effectively reduce children’s painful emotions and harmful behaviors.
• Trauma-specific means that the therapy was designed to address the specific reactions to trauma. To provide trauma-specific clinical interventions, an organization and provider must be trauma-informed.
• Trauma-informed means awareness of the impact of trauma and its consequences is embedded in all policies and practices. Culture (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality) and family norms (e.g., eye contact) are continuously considered. Creating an environment that promotes safety, empowerment, and healing is essential.

Effective Treatment for Trauma-Related Emotions and Behavior

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) suggests a 3-way relationship between body reactions (e.g., racing heart), negative thoughts (e.g., “Everyone will think I am stupid if I ask a question in class”), and behavioral responses (e.g., avoidance). For people exposed to trauma, these responses are often reactions to thinking and feeling they are in danger. It is common for individuals who have experienced trauma to feel like they are in danger, despite now being safe. Trauma-specific therapy is provided to help relieve the negative consequences of trauma. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and 123 Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavior Therapy (AF-CBT) are two trauma-specific therapies designed to help children, adolescents, and their parents or caregivers. It is important to note that parents and caregivers play an essential role in these treatments.

TF-CBT is an evidence-based therapy with the strongest research evidence of any therapy for traumatized youth. TF-CBT helps youth by teaching a variety of skills to help manage emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and rebuild a sense of safety and security. Therapists who deliver TF-CBT also dedicate individual sessions to parents/caregivers. In these sessions, caregivers learn parenting strategies, how to manage their emotions, and how to best support their child’s recovery.

AF-CBT is an evidence-based therapy. It focuses on both the key risks for child abuse (e.g., coercive parenting practices, anger, hyperarousal, negative child attributions) and the consequences of negative parent or caregiver behavior on the child (e.g., child aggression, poor interpersonal skills/functioning, intense emotional reactions). A major goal of AF-CBT is to improve the relationship and communication within families that have experienced conflict. means awareness of the impact of trauma and its consequences is embedded in all policies and practices. Culture (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality) and family norms (e.g., eye contact) are continuously considered. Creating an environment that promotes safety, empowerment, and healing is essential.

Effective Treatment for Trauma-Related Emotions and Behavior

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) suggests a 3-way relationship between body reactions (e.g., racing heart), negative thoughts (e.g., “Everyone will think I am stupid if I ask a question in class”), and behavioral responses (e.g., avoidance). For people exposed to trauma, these responses are often reactions to thinking and feeling they are in danger. It is common for individuals who have experienced trauma to feel like they are in danger, despite now being safe. Trauma-specific therapy is provided to help relieve the negative consequences of trauma. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavior Therapy (AF-CBT) are two trauma-specific therapies designed to help children, adolescents, and their parents or caregivers. It is important to note that parents and caregivers play an essential role in these treatments.

TF-CBT is an evidence-based therapy with the strongest research evidence of any therapy for traumatized youth. TF-CBT helps youth by teaching a variety of skills to help manage emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and rebuild a sense of safety and security. Therapists who deliver TF-CBT also dedicate individual sessions to parents/caregivers. In these sessions, caregivers learn parenting strategies, how to manage their emotions, and how to best support their child’s recovery.

AF-CBT is an evidence-based therapy. It focuses on both the key risks for child abuse (e.g., coercive parenting practices, anger, hyperarousal, negative child attributions) and the consequences of negative parent or caregiver behavior on the child (e.g., child aggression, poor interpersonal skills/functioning, intense emotional reactions). A major goal of AF-CBT is to improve the relationship and communication within families that have experienced conflict.

Questions to Ask Potential Therapists

• What techniques do you use to treat trauma symptoms?
• Are you certified in TF-CBT?
• What is your training and background in working with trauma survivors?
• How much of your practice currently involves working with trauma survivors?
• Do you believe you have been effective in your treatment of trauma-related symptoms?
• How do you involve parents/caregivers in the therapy process?
• Have you received cultural competency training or taken courses on issues surrounding race, ethnicity, or culture?
• Do you have experience treating people who look/identify like my child?
• How would you include aspects of my child’s identity (e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation, religion) in my child’s care?

Finding a TF-CBT and AF-CBT Therapist
The following search tools can help you find a TF-CBT and AF-CBT therapist:

The TF-CBT National Therapist Certification Program Find a Therapist Tool
https://tfcbt.org/therapists/
This is the official directory of TF-CBT certified therapists from the TF-CBT national therapist certification program.

The AF-CBT Find a Therapist Tool
https://www.afcbt.org/whereisAFCBT
This is the official AF-CBT website with a list of providers in the United States and internationally.

Psychology Today Find a Therapist Tool
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
You can use several filters (e.g., location, language, gender, and type of therapy) to find therapists in your area. Before scheduling your first appointment, always confirm with your therapist that they accept your insurance. If you choose to use Psychology Today, it is highly recommended that you ask the above-mentioned questions about trauma therapy.