Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps patients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors contributing to mental health disorders. CBT is effective for a wide range of conditions including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders1. The therapy is typically time-limited, focusing on skill development to improve coping, emotional regulation, and problem-solving.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a specialized adaptation of CBT designed for children and adolescents exposed to trauma. TF-CBT integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with trauma-sensitive interventions and caregiver involvement to help reduce trauma-related symptoms and promote recovery1,2. Components include psychoeducation, relaxation skills, cognitive restructuring, and gradual trauma narrative exposure in a safe therapeutic setting.
Primary care providers (PCPs) and behavioral health clinicians play a critical role in early identification and referral of patients who may benefit from CBT or TF-CBT. Children and adults presenting with symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or behavioral difficulties should be evaluated for evidence-based interventions3. Collaborative care models that integrate behavioral health services into primary care have been shown to improve access, engagement, and clinical outcomes.
- American Psychological Association. (2015, December). Helping children recover from trauma. Monitor on Psychology.
- Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Deblinger, E. (2017). Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for children and adolescents: Treatment applications. Guilford Press.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Psychotherapies.
- American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder. In Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Adults.
CBT
- Cognitive–behavioral therapy for management of mental health and stress-related disorders: Recent advances in techniques and technologies (PMC)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Alters Brain Activity in Children With Anxiety - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? (APA)
TF-CBT
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