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.

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10k+ satisfied kids,
teens, & families

A young girl with curly hair and glasses sits on an adult man's lap on a couch, looking up at him with a pensive expression. The man, who has dreadlocks, looks back at her attentively, his arm around her in a comforting gesture, suggesting a serious conversation or moment of support.

young girl talking during therapy session

daughter smiling during therapy session in the living room and her mom is on the couch

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.

A young boy sits alone on a set of indoor stairs, appearing sad and withdrawn with his head down and arms resting on his knees. A backpack is visible next to him on the stairs.

A young boy with curly hair sits on a light sofa, smiling gently as he looks toward an adult, whose back is partially visible. They appear engaged in a calm, indoor conversation.

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

The PRACTICE components

The building blocks of TF-CBT treatment.

A young girl and an adult man are intently focused on a laptop screen in a comfortable home setting. The child is lying on a couch with headphones nearby, while the man sits attentively beside her, creating a calm and engaged atmosphere.

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

Kid dealing with anxiety while talking to her mom on a park bench

What TF-CBT treats

Trauma types with strong research support.

A smiling teen wearing headphones talks animatedly during a video call on a laptop in a bright, modern indoor setting. A drink sits on the table beside the laptop.

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.

Find Care

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.

Ms. Anes understood exactly where we were coming from and how to help us when it came to our daughter. Totally recommend her!!

Parent of a 9 year old

5 hours ago

Provider:

Shannon Anes, PMHNP

Amazing! My daughter gets so happy when it is a therapy day. Ms. Christi has made my daughter so comfortable and provides a safe place for her to be open and honest, free of judgement. I am so grateful that she is my child's therapist.

Parent of a 9 year old

7 hours ago

Provider:

Christi Ford, LPC-A

TaKayah is awesome! Feels like talking to a friend.

An Adult client

10 hours ago

Provider:

Takahya Mcintyre, LCSW

Laquana is the best of the best!

Parent of a 7 year old

11 hours ago

Provider:

Laquana Richmond, LCMHC LPC LMHC LCAS CCS

Mrs. Katie is such a blessing. Thank you.

Parent of an 8 year old

13 hours ago

Provider:

Katie Jones, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC

I think just hearing the confirmation was a bit challenging as well as emotional. I love the Drs kindness and patience, it’s something I don’t get to experience often. I like the descriptions provided in the paperwork as well.

An Adult client

18 hours ago