Online TF-CBT therapy for kids, teens, and parents
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.
Great recommendations to help me have a better communication with my wife , thank You so much !!
An Adult client
Sep 5, 2026
Paola Oseguera, LPC
It was good like someone understanding me
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 5, 2026
Jasmine Eubanks, LPC
Dr. Apree addressed our fears and concerns regarding our daughter’s evaluation. She is so thoughtful. I feel like our daughter will have a ton of support.
Parent of a 15 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
She was amazing my son loved her and she made us feel heard!!
Parent of a 14 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Elizabeth Lopez, LCSW
She was just really nice and I appreciated that.
Parent of a 13 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Megan Lundy, LCSW
Another wonderful session. I feel truly blessed with Elsie. She is extremely an amazing person.
Parent of a 12 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Elsie Peña, LPC
Eduardo was an amazing Therapist. I felt the great vibe and connection with him on our 1st visit. I’m really looking forward to seeing him again and our progress we’ll make throughout the Journey. I would rate him a 10/10 and would recommended him to anyone.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Eduardo Santana, LCSW
It’s hard for me describe my inner experience. I still felt heard and seen though I struggled during our call. I felt emotionally supported and reassured. I feel hopeful that this was a step in the right direction.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Dr. Liz Nitsch, PsyD
Dr. Clicque makes me feel very comfortable and supported during our sessions. I feel that she creates a safe, nonjudgmental environment where I can openly express my thoughts and feelings. She is attentive, understanding, and genuinely listens to me. I feel that her approach has made it easier for me to feel comfortable opening up.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
I love how the provider made me feel comfortable, accepted, and heard. Did not rush me off, listened and provided great feedback.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
Daniel focused on my daughter‘s strengths and was very tactful in leading the conversation about medication and diagnosis in front of my child.
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Danielle Abali, RCSWI
I like that she listens to my son. She also gives him things to think about in regard to his actions and how he feels about consequences of his actions. She really does give him opportunity to think it through and understand how he could have handled things.
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Melinda Labbe, LMHC
Paola was wonderful, extremely empathetic and showed genuine care. Never rushed for me to speak and really took in what I was saying. Made me feel very at ease.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Paola Bezek, RCSWI
Good tempo and pace so far. AJ had some good probing questions for both Nadia and myself that made the session feel worthwhile. It was our first therapy session so there was some healthy amount of awkwardness but it felt needed and productive.
Parent of a 12 year old
Sep 4, 2026
AJ Briggs, LCSW
Catherine is very kind and empathetic. She listens carefully, takes the time to understand your situation, and genuinely tries to connect with you in order to find the best possible support and help. I truly appreciate her patience, compassion, and willingness to help.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
Elise is the sweetest. My daughter is new to online therapy so she is a bit hesitant at times. Elise is patient with her and moves at my daughters pace. I enjoy her talks as well and have learned several positive ways to help my daughter when she is struggling with big emotions.
Parent of an 8 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Elise McDonald, LPC
Salem loves the session today. She really loved the grounding activity and drawing.
Parent of an 11 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Charricka Hewitt, LPC-A
Very helpful with easing into this new chapter & getting to know one another.
Parent of a 12 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Katia Torres, 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.
