Just the Facts

Trauma-Focused CBT is the most rigorously tested treatment for traumatized children, particularly victims of child sexual abuse, and their non-offending caregivers
In 12 randomized trials, TF-CBT (compared to supportive therapy, client-centered therapy, and routine community care) has shown greater improvements in children’s PTSD, depression, anxiety, shame and behavior problems, and caregivers’ distress, depression, and support for their children
Alternatives for Families CBT is the most rigorously tested treatment for physically abused children and their abusive caregivers
In 4 randomized trials, AF-CBT (compared to routine community care) has shown improvements in: child aggression, caregiver use of force/violence, caregiver distress, and family conflict and cohesion
Long-term follow-up studies of TF-CBT and AF-CBT indicate that these improvements are maintained over time
In spite of this impressive research, a small subset of traumatized children get access to these best practices