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.
TF-CBT, at a glance
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.
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.
We love Amanda! It's been over a month- seeing positive results
Parent of an 11 year old
1 hour ago
Amanda Crabtree, LMHC
Evelyn said she was really happy with the session.
Parent of a 9 year old
5 hours ago
Dr. Maritza Rodriguez, LPC-S, CCST
I like the fact that she suggested that we should do ADHD testing and I like that she was asking him questions that were making him think a little about his answers. It was very helpful and it sparked discussion for us afterwards
Parent of a 12 year old
7 hours ago
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
I love Quenton Kayd! I’ve had 18 sessions with him and he has helped me so much! He also takes the time to see things from my perspective and it means so much!
An Adult client
10 hours ago
Quenton Kayd, LPC
Ann is an excellent therapist. She’s been helping my daughter through her anxiety and her thoughtful and insightful guidance has had a meaningful impact on my daughter and managing her anxiety.
Parent of an 11 year old
22 hours ago
Ann Marie Driver, LCMHC-A
She’s very charismatic and easy to talk to. My daughter told me she likes her
Parent of a 13 year old
1 day ago
Katherine Vasquez Lugo, RMHCI
Catherine was warm and welcoming!
Parent of a 10 year old
1 day ago
Catherine Campos, LCSW
My therapist was absolutely amazing I already can tell she is going to help me a lot!
An Adult client
1 day ago
Laura Doocy, LPC-A
Milton is very understanding and listened to my son rattle on and on lol and they're was no rush.
Parent of an 11 year old
1 day ago
Milton Hernandez, LPC
JoeAnn Allen gave us key ways to handle some problems, we appreciate her very much
Parent of a 14 year old
1 day ago
JoeAnn Allen, RMHCI
Rating on behalf of my daughter. She's always in a better mood when she talks with Korina! ✨
Parent of a 14 year old
1 day ago
Korina Herrera, LMHC
My son connects so well with Nathalie. He was skeptical at first now he sets up 10 mind before the session in anticipation for their talk time.
Parent of a 10 year old
2 days ago
Nathalie Fernandez Mendez, LCMHC-A, LMHC
Richard was excellent during my child´s session today. He was very informative, attentive, and truly focused on our specific needs. You can tell he genuinely cares and takes the time to listen and understand. We’re looking forward to future appointments and seeing growth with his support.
Parent of a 6 year old
2 days ago
Richard Reyes, LPC-Associate
The coping mechanism you gave me felt extremely helpful
An Adult client
2 days ago
Marise Jimenez, RMHCI
Very attentive and caring. Took the time out to help us find the right therapist.
Parent of a 16 year old
2 days ago
Jennifer Guzman, LPC
great person easy to talk to. very attentive.
An Adult client
2 days ago
Dr. Joel Bell, PsyD
Sarah is incredible with my 7 year old. So great at building rapport and bringing in coping strategies.
Parent of a 7 year old
2 days ago
Sarah Newton, LMSW
Helped my child open up and feel more self confidence
Parent of a 6 year old
2 days ago
Korina Herrera, LMHC
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.
