PLEASE NOTE!

To be eligible for this training you must be employed by a school district or ESD and have one or both of the following:

• Master's degree that includes clinical training in child mental health
• License to practice mental health in Washington State

The Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) program is a school-based, group and individual intervention.  It is designed to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and behavioral problems, and to improve functioning, grades and attendance, peer and parent support, and coping skills.

CBITS has been used with students from 5th grade through 12th grade who have witnessed or experienced traumatic life events such as community and school violence, accidents and injuries, physical abuse and domestic violence, and natural and man-made disasters.

CBITS uses cognitive-behavioral techniques (e.g., psychoeducation, relaxation, social problem solving, cognitive restructuring, and exposure).

How is CBITS implemented?

CBITS is designed for delivery by mental health professionals in a school setting. The program consists of:

• 10 group sessions
• 1-3 individual sessions
• 2 parent psychoeducational sessions
• 1 teacher educational session

Is CBITS evidence-based?

Yes. Extensive research since 2000 has shown that students who participate in the program have significantly fewer symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression, and psychosocial dysfunction.

CBITS is cited as a recommended practice by several national agencies that assess the quality of mental health interventions, including:

• CDC Prevention Research Center
• SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices
• U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

Typical trainees for this training: Mental health clinicians working in a school or school-like setting where running closed groups is feasible.

Minimum Education Level: Master’s degree that includes clinical training in child mental health.

For additional information on CBITS:

http://cbitsprogram.org/

Clock hours will be available.