Therapy types
Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT) for children and teens: what it’s like and how to find a certified therapist
Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT) is for children and teens ages 3 to 18 and their caregivers. It’s usually 12 to 20 weekly sessions of about an hour, split between the child and the caregiver, with some joint sessions. Certified TF-CBT therapists are listed by state at tfcbt.org/therapists, with about 128 in Georgia, 113 in Kentucky, 56 in Alabama and 46 in Tennessee.
When a child has been through something frightening, families often hear about TF-CBT. It’s a structured therapy that involves the parent or caregiver along with the child. To find a trained TF-CBT therapist, learn what TF-CBT looks like and what certification means, search the certified-therapist list and LunahUP, ask a few questions, then plan for cost and format.
If you need help now
If a child is in danger, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Each state’s crisis lines are on our state help lines page.
1. Know what TF-CBT looks like
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and the TF-CBT certification program describe it this way:
| Feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Who it’s for | children and teens ages 3 to 18, and their parents or primary caregivers |
| Who attends | the child and caregiver are seen individually and in parallel, with some joint child-and-parent sessions |
| How often | one session a week |
| How many | typically 12 to 20 sessions, sometimes 8 to 25 |
| How long | typically about 60 minutes, often 30 minutes with the child and 30 with the caregiver |
TF-CBT has nine components, summed up by the acronym PRACTICE, delivered in three phases. A caregiver’s participation is important but not absolutely required, according to the NCTSN summary.
2. Learn what TF-CBT certification means
The TF-CBT National Therapist Certification Program requires a therapist to:
- have a master’s degree and a professional license
- complete TF-CBTWeb, an online course for professionals
- attend a live TF-CBT training of two days or more
- take part in at least nine consultation calls over six to twelve months
- complete three TF-CBT cases, at least two with a caregiver involved
- use a standardized measure before and after treatment
- pass a knowledge test
Certification lasts five years. The program describes it as minimal training and says it can’t verify a therapist’s clinical competence or endorse them. Therapists can choose whether to appear in the public register.
3. Search for a certified TF-CBT therapist
The certified therapist directory at tfcbt.org/therapists can be searched by name, city, state or ZIP code. As of November 5, 2026, it listed about:
| State | Certified TF-CBT therapists listed |
|---|---|
| Georgia | 128 |
| Kentucky | 113 |
| Alabama | 56 |
| Tennessee | 46 |
Listings show contact details only. Some certified therapists choose not to be listed.
NCTSN suggests contacting a nearby NCTSN member center, searching SAMHSA’s FindTreatment.gov, or asking your insurer for in-network providers.
Check the therapist’s license on your state board’s site. Our fit guide explains how.
4. Look for TF-CBT on LunahUP
LunahUP doesn’t have a TF-CBT filter yet. Search your city for therapists who see children and teens, then check each name against the TF-CBT directory.
5. Ask a TF-CBT therapist these questions
- “Are you TF-CBT certified, and when did you certify?”
- “How will I be involved as the caregiver?”
- “How many sessions do you expect, and how long is each one?”
- “How will we measure progress?”
- “Do you offer telehealth for any sessions?”
6. Plan for TF-CBT’s cost and format
TF-CBT is billed like other child therapy, and most health plans cover it when it’s part of treating a diagnosed condition. Our insurance guide explains how. State crime victim compensation programs may pay for a child’s counseling after a crime; our grief guide describes Georgia’s and Alabama’s.
For adult trauma therapy, see our trauma and PTSD guide. For younger children, our play therapy guide explains another option.
The short version
- TF-CBT is for children and teens ages 3 to 18 and their caregivers.
- It’s usually 12 to 20 weekly sessions of about an hour, split between child and caregiver.
- Certified TF-CBT therapists completed training, consultation calls, three cases and a test.
- Search tfcbt.org/therapists by state or ZIP code.
Questions before your next step
What is TF-CBT?
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured therapy for children and teens ages 3 to 18 and their caregivers, with nine components summed up as PRACTICE.
Link to this answerHow long does TF-CBT take?
Typically 12 to 20 weekly sessions of about 60 minutes, often split between the child and the caregiver, according to the NCTSN summary.
Link to this answerDo parents take part in TF-CBT?
Yes. Caregivers are usually seen in parallel with the child and join some sessions together. Their participation is important but not absolutely required.
Link to this answerHow do I find a certified TF-CBT therapist?
Search the TF-CBT certified therapist directory at tfcbt.org/therapists by state, city or ZIP code.
Link to this answerSources & approach
LunahUP Directory wrote this guide to explain practical search and appointment choices. Public health and professional references support the general information; the directory’s own workflows describe how LunahUP works. Provider-specific facts are supplied on the linked profiles. This guide has not been clinically reviewed and does not offer individual medical advice.
- NCTSN TF-CBT fact sheet, updated 2026, and TF-CBT At-A-Glance (nctsn.org)
- NCTSN TF-CBT fact sheet, updated 2026, and TF-CBT At-A-Glance (tfcbt.org)
- TF-CBTWeb, MUSC
- TF-CBT certification requirements
- TF-CBT certification requirements, About
- TF-CBT certification requirements, Training
- Certified therapist directory and state counts
- NCTSN, Get help now
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