Study on Caregiver Satisfaction with TF-CBT highlighted in Psychological Trauma Journal

CHDI’s Brittany C.L. Lange, Ashley Loser, and Jason Lang co-authored an article in Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy entitled “Caregiver Satisfaction with their Child’s Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.” They analyzed caregiver satisfaction with their child’s participation in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), an evidence-based treatment that CHDI has helped disseminate across Connecticut for the past 12 years and which has been provided to more than 10,000 children.

Caregivers reported high satisfaction with TF-CBT.  The most helpful aspects of treatment were the TF-CBT treatment skills; improved communication between the child, caregivers, and therapist; the child learning coping skills related to trauma; and the child experiencing positive outcomes. Caregivers recommended improving treatment further by changing the scheduling process and session length/frequency, and an increase in their involvement in treatment. Caregivers of children who completed treatment reported greater satisfaction than caregivers of non-completers. 

Results suggest that caregiver satisfaction should be assessed during TF-CBT (and other treatments), with efforts made to proactively identify and address caregiver concerns. Focusing on caregiver satisfaction may prevent treatment attrition, allowing children to receive more treatment and achieve better outcomes.