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.
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.
The testing process for my child with Dr. Bunker went really well. Just like how she explained it would go.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been very helpful with the therapy process for my child.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Korina is very patient even when my child is having a difficult time with the therapy session.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
This was our initial visit with Dr. Bunker. She did a great job with explaining how the process would go. She also had great interaction with my child during the visit.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been doing a great job with helping my child!
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
She was really extensive and didn’t leave anything out.
An Adult client
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
The session was great! All of our concerns were addressed, we felt very heard, and it was an overall great experience
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Deann Harrison, PMHNP-BC
Ms Richardson took her time to listen to my son's perspective and concerns as well as my own. She is open-minded and patient. We appreciated her help today
Parent of a 15 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Runako Richardson, PMHNP
When she allowed both of us to speak and explained the next steps for our meeting in the future that was great . Thank you.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
My daughter feels Dr. Jon has helped her more than any of her previous therapists. He does a great job with her.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
Dr. Williams truly gets me and he makes me feel like I can take care of myself without having to worry about it.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Franklin Williams, LCMHC
Navigating a separation from my spouse including children. Victoria does a great job helping us work through and process this.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Victoria Coffman, LPC-A
Elise is going above and beyond to understand my daughter so she can help her in the best way possible.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Elise McDonald, LPC
Catherine was kind, empathetic, and a great listener. She balanced hearing our thoughts as parents while also ensuring our child was heard and valued.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
So kind and a great listener. She has great patience with him.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Erica Richardson, LCSW
My daughter instantly connected! She’s very excited to work with her
Parent of a 13 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Brianna Doran, LMHC
Dr.Bowes is awesome and a personable provider.
An Adult client
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jaclyn Bowes, PsyD
My son feels that this Dr is a great fit. First session and he’s already doing the 10 finger breathing exercise while feeling overwhelmed.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
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.
