Statewide implementation of an evidence-based trauma intervention in schools

Sch Psychol Q. 2018 Mar;33(1):44-53. doi: 10.1037/spq0000248.

Abstract

The goal of the current article is to describe the implementation and outcomes of an innovative statewide dissemination approach of the evidence-based trauma intervention Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS). In the context of a 2-year statewide learning collaborative effort, 73 CBITS groups led by 20 clinicians from 5 different school-based mental health provider organizations served a total of 350 racially and ethnically diverse (66.9% Hispanic, 26.2% Black/African American, 43.7% White, and 30.1% Other), majority female (61%) children, averaging 12.2 years (SD = 2.4, range 8-19). Of the 350 children who began CBITS, 316 (90.3%) successfully completed treatment. Children demonstrated significant reductions in child posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (42% reduction, d = .879) and problem severity (25% reduction, d = .396), and increases in child functioning, t(287) = -3.75, p < .001 (5% increase, d = .223). Findings point to the need, feasibility, and positive impact of implementing and scaling up school-based interventions for students suffering from posttraumatic stress. (PsycINFO Database Record

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Evidence-Based Practice / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychological Trauma / therapy*
  • School Health Services*
  • Schools*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / therapy*
  • Young Adult