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Psychiatric Research Institute: Arkansas Building Effective Services for Trauma

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based mental health treatment for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma from events such as a sexual or physical abuse. Considered the gold-standard treatment for child trauma, it has repeatedly demonstrated success in reducing trauma symptoms and strengthening the parent-child relationship.

Training Process

  1. Online Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training — prerequisite training completed online through the Medical University of South Carolina. Modules can be accessed at any time. (11 CEUs)
  2. Introductory Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training — Three-day in-person or online workshop facilitated by ARBEST trainers. (15 CEUs) Registration is open for the virtual introductory to TF-CBT for
  3. Consultation Calls — Bi-monthly calls involving case presentations with trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy experts for six months. (12 CEUs) After completing requirements, trainees will receive a letter of completion and will be listed as a trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy provider in the ARBEST clinician directory.

More Training Opportunities

  • Advanced Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training — Free, one-day training to further explore advanced topics in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. Clinicians must have previously attended Introductory Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to be eligible; (6 CEUs)
  • National Certification — Becoming nationally certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy allows mental health practitioners to grow in their practice of the model and to become more trusted and accessible providers of the therapy.

Upcoming Trainings

Introductory to Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Virtual):

The next training will be February 18-20, 2026. Registration is now open.

To register, visit the ARBEST WebPortal

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB):

This advanced level TF-CBT training aims to increase understanding of problematic sexual behaviors (PSB) in children, enhance assessment and clinical decision making, and bolster confidence in implementing TF-CBT for children (12 and under) with trauma-related PSB.

Eligibility & Training Requirements:

To be eligible for this training, participants must be licensed mental health providers who:

  • have completed TF-CBT training (online pre-training, training workshop, and consultation calls)
  • have completed three TF-CBT cases using a standardized measure to assess progress (two of these must have actively involved caregivers)

To complete this training, participants must : 

  • participate in monthly consultation calls for six months following the in-person training 
  • complete the PSB training pre-learning readings and webinar (link will be provided)
  • attend the virtual TF-CBT for Preschool & School-Aged Children with Problematic Sexual Behavior Related to Trauma Training

To register, visit the ARBEST WebPortal

*Please note, TF-CBT training is designed for individuals who are currently providing therapy to children or have access to appropriate clients. In signing up for the training, the participant plans to participate in the entire training process, including consultation calls.