Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a research-backed treatment that helps children, teens and their families overcome the effects of traumatic experiences.
Reviewed by the HeyPsych Medical Review Board · Reviewed November 24, 2025
Choose a condition to see how it's used for it.
Used for
Also prescribed for (off-label)
Common use
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used for Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The full guide below has the details.
About Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)How many people in 100 notice each one in clinical studies. Many early side effects fade within a few weeks.
Session dropout due to distress or avoidance
Thoughts of suicide? Call or text 988, any time.
Everything we know about Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), section by section.
14 chapters · about 14 min to read it all. Open any one.
Frequency: Weekly sessions
Duration: 12–20 sessions
Review coping skills and symptom check-in
Skill practice, trauma narrative development, and caregiver engagement
Homework assignments and reinforcement of safety skills
typical session cost: $100–$200 per session
total treatment cost: Moderate; 12–20 sessions make it relatively cost-effective compared to long-term treatments
insurance coverage: Often covered under child and adolescent mental health services
cost effectiveness: Highly cost-effective given strong evidence base and relatively short treatment duration
Less studied in adults and in culturally diverse populations; requires caregiver involvement for best outcomes.
This treatment information is for educational purposes only. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals based on individual circumstances, symptoms, and medical history. Do not attempt treatment without professional guidance.
Thinking about Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)? A prescriber can tell you if it fits.
Find a psychiatrist