Online TF-CBT therapy for kids, teens, & young adults
The top proven treatment for childhood trauma and PTSD
Trauma-Focused CBT is a structured treatment that helps kids process hard experiences. It builds coping skills and strengthens family relationships.
Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.
Covered by insurance · Licensed clinicians · Start within 48 hours
Covered by insurance · Licensed clinicians · Start within 48 hours
teens, & families
TF-CBT, at a glance
Strongest evidence
Among all trauma therapies for children, with benefits lasting 12+ months after treatment (Mavranezouli et al., 2020).
8-25 sessions
Typical range for TF-CBT. Both the child and a caregiver participate in treatment.
Ages 3-18
Validated across diverse populations and trauma types in over 25 randomized controlled trials.
What is TF-CBT?
How trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy works.
Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) is a structured, proven treatment made for kids and teens who went through trauma. It was created by Drs. Judith Cohen, Anthony Mannarino, and Esther Deblinger.
TF-CBT includes both the child and a parent throughout treatment. The child learns skills and talks about the trauma. The parent gets help to learn coping skills and how to support their child.
The treatment follows the PRACTICE model. This is a structured step-by-step plan delivered over 8 to 25 sessions, with each part building on the last.
Evidence-Based
Backed by clinical research and validated outcomes.
Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) is a structured, proven treatment made for kids and teens who went through trauma. It was created by Drs. Judith Cohen, Anthony Mannarino, and Esther Deblinger.
TF-CBT includes both the child and a parent throughout treatment. The child learns skills and talks about the trauma. The parent gets help to learn coping skills and how to support their child.
The treatment follows the PRACTICE model. This is a structured step-by-step plan delivered over 8 to 25 sessions, with each part building on the last.
The PRACTICE components
The building blocks of TF-CBT treatment.
P.R.A.C.: Building Skills
- Learning about trauma and how it affects kids
- Relaxation skills to calm body stress
- Emotion skills for understanding and showing feelings
- Thinking skills: how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect
T.I.C.E.: Processing Trauma
- Telling the story: gradually talking about what happened
- Facing reminders: safely dealing with real-life trauma reminders
- Parent and child sessions: sharing the story together
- Building safety and growth for the future
How TF-CBT helps
What the research shows for children and teens.
- Reduces PTSD, depression, and anxiety
- Addresses behavior problems from trauma
- Reduces shame and self-blame
- Strengthens parent and child connection
- Builds coping and safety skills for life
- Improvements stay and grow over time
What TF-CBT treats
Trauma types with strong research support.
Trauma Types
- Sexual abuse and assault
- Physical abuse or domestic violence exposure
- Traumatic grief and loss
- Community violence and school shootings
Related Challenges
- PTSD and acute stress disorder
- Trauma-related depression and anxiety
- Behavioral problems following trauma
- Complex trauma and multiple adverse experiences
Why families choose Emora for TF-CBT
Specialized trauma therapy vs. general providers.
General providers
TF-CBT certified therapists with advanced training
Therapists may lack TF-CBT specific certification
Structured PRACTICE model with fidelity to the protocol
Unstructured approach to trauma without evidence-based protocol
Caregiver involvement throughout treatment
Child treated in isolation without caregiver sessions
Specialized in childhood trauma across all types
General trauma knowledge without pediatric expertise
Progress tracked with validated PTSD measures
No standardized outcome measurement
Get started in minutes
Three simple steps to connect with the right clinician.
- 1
Share what's going on
Tell us about your child's experiences and how they're affected.
- 2
Verify coverage
See insurance estimates and available appointment times.
- 3
Start therapy
Meet your matched TF-CBT therapist and begin the healing process.
Frequently asked questions
What parents ask most about TF-CBT.
TF-CBT works for kids ages 3 through 18, with changes for each age. Younger kids use play and art. Teens talk more about what happened.
Talking about the trauma is important in TF-CBT, but it happens slowly after kids build skills first. Kids are never forced to share before they're ready. The therapist uses writing, drawing, or storytelling based on the child's age.
Research shows parents being involved helps a lot. Parents learn coping skills, understand how trauma affects kids, and hear their child's story in a safe session. This helps the family heal together.
TF-CBT is a structured, specific treatment for trauma. Unlike regular talking therapy, it follows a proven step-by-step plan. Parents are involved throughout. It directly tackles the trauma by processing it.
Yes. Research shows online TF-CBT works as well as in-person. Many families like online TF-CBT because it's easier to access and less complicated.
Real stories of growth
Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.
EP really enjoyed the games! I like the calming box idea and the tips to help her during difficult times.
Parent of an 8 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Tracey-Ann Hutchinson, LMHC
She was very understanding and sweet toward my daughter during their session. She was understanding to our reasons for having to switch providers, and made it work very easily with our future schedule.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Mrs. Johnson is a wonderful and safe space for my daughter’s healing.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Tameka Johnson, LPC
She provided great information, was transparent throughout the entire process, and took the time to make sure she would be a good fit for my daughter before moving forward. That really gave me confidence that her priority was making sure my daughter received the support she needed. My daughter also felt comfortable with her right away, which made the experience even better.
Parent of an 8 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Katennia Thomas, LPC
Great experience - she listened and provided helpful tools
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Treshana Lewis, LCSW
He is so helpful.I mean, I appreciate everything he does for my family
Parent of a 7 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Bart Liles, LPC. LMFT
Lana was amazing with my daughter. My daughter felt heard, validated, and supported.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Lana Rodriguez, LPC
Very open and transparent, didn't tell me what I waned to hear but what I needed to hear. Very comforting and understanding and does what she can to come to a shared agreement about medication route.
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
Jahn Quattlebaum, our family therapist, has been an absolute gamechanger, by providing us with a safe, compassionate space to communicate and truly hear one another.
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Jahn Quattlebaum, LPC
It was a great session. Nico practiced expressing his feelings to his dad when he felt sad and hurt. He was standing up for himself.
Parent of a 6 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Jacqueline Castaneda, LPC
She was wonderful and my daughter responded well and was able to talk openly. Alyssa gave us some techniques that we both are excited to try. My daughter was nervous before she began but now she is looking forward to her next session.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Alyssa Jimenez-Solis, LCSW
Great listener and helped set realistic goals to help achieve more positive outcomes!
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Paola Oseguera, LPC-Associate
Very personable, makes the session welcoming and comfortable place to be
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Kayla Goodwin, LPC
Teah is very patient and attentive; her demeanor makes it possible to process and communicate in a very comfortable and safe environment.
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Teah Polvado, LCSW
I feel like my therapist is very good at what she does, and is very kind. I go into each meeting expecting a welcoming environment, and I get what I expected and more. (From the 15yo)
Parent of a 15 year old
Jul 20, 2026
MaryBeth Borreca, LCMHC, LMHC
Charlene is always so welcoming and provides helpful strategies to manage ADHD and anxiety. She helps my 9 year old get focused and makes the session bith informative and fun. Her breathing techniques help him relax.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 20, 2026
Charlene Childs, LPC-A
Ms. L. Williams was amazing with my child. In the first session she helped her to understand and have clarity of our concerns.at this point she will definitely continue to work with her.
Parent of a 15 year old
Jul 20, 2026
Leah Williams, LPC-A
Amazing service! Jennifer was super helpful, attentive, and understanding of our needs!
Parent of a 2 year old
Jul 20, 2026
Jennifer Clark, LCSW
Trauma doesn't have to define your child's story
TF-CBT gives children the tools to process what happened and build a future defined by resilience, not fear.
Not sure where to start? Book a clinical matching session.
