Innovations in Practice: Dissemination and implementation of child-parent psychotherapy in rural public health agencies

Background: Early trauma exposure can have long-term negative health effects. Few young children receive evidence-based trauma treatment. This article explores the feasibility of implementing Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), an evidence-based intervention, in rural public health agencies.

Method: Twenty-three clinicians across four agencies were trained. Training outcomes and implementation barriers and facilitators were assessed.

Results: One hundred twelve client-caregiver dyads began the year-long treatment; 50% are currently enrolled or have completed treatment. Barriers and facilitators to implementation were identified.

Conclusions: CPP is feasible to implement in rural community mental health agencies. Important lessons were learned related to planning, implementation, and sustainability.