treatment

This fact sheet from the Children’s Bureau defines trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) as a treatment that combines elements of cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, family therapy, attachment theory, and developmental neurobiology to help clients overcome trauma-related difficulties, including child maltreatment. TF-CBT may be an appropriate treatment for children and youth ages 3 to 18 who have experienced trauma or traumatic loss and present with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, and other related symptoms.

This supplement to the 2018 Children’s Mental Health Report from the Child Mind Institute provides suggestions on how to talk about difficult subjects with teens. It discusses how to maintain ongoing conversations about normal fears, how persistent anxiety can develop into a disorder, and why early treatment is best. This guide describes how adults can build rapport with teens by being curious without being judgmental, showing trust, being collaborative, giving praise, and staying calm. It covers general anxiety; social anxiety; social media risks and rewards; anxiety and substance abuse; anxiety disorder, depression, and suicidality; and treatment.

The Center for Health Care Strategies produced this brief as a technical assistance tool to help providers screen for exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma among adult and pediatric patients. The brief draws from the findings of a multi-site demonstration pilot study called Advancing Trauma-Informed Care (ATC). The ATC study sought to identify trauma-informed methods for the health care sector. (author abstract modified)

This journal article describes a study that aimed to develop and test the feasibility of engaging youth (ages 18 to 24) who are experiencing homelessness in a remotely delivered mental health intervention. The researchers piloted the intervention in a homeless shelter with 35 study participants who received a mobile phone, service and data plans, and one month of support from a coach with up to three phone sessions. The intervention provided brief emotional support and coping skills using cognitive behavioral therapy principles. Most participants completed all of their phone sessions. Participants sent an average of 15.06 text messages and received an average of 19.34 messages. The study demonstrated the feasibility of engaging young adults in mental health services in a technology-based intervention with high rates of satisfaction. Technology may be an important avenue to reach young adults experiencing homelessness. (author abstract modified)