Psychosocial Interventions for Trauma Exposed Youth (1 CE)

Number of Credits: 1

This course is for:  Clinical Psychologists, Counseling Psychologists

Course By: Tim Grigsby, PhD

Content By: Dorsey, S., McLaughlin, K. A., Kerns, S. E., Harrison, J. P., Lambert, H. K., Briggs, E. C., ... & Amaya-Jackson, L. (2017). Evidence base update for psychosocial treatments for children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 46(3), 303-330.

Course Description: Epidemiological evidence suggests traumatic events are common among youth, children and adolescents, with many developing trauma-related mental health problems. The researchers update the field on the state of the evidence-based psychosocial treatments for trauma-exposed youth. Thirty-seven treatment studies were evaluated for methodological rigor and effectiveness and grouped from ‘well-established’ to ‘questionable efficacy.’ Treatment studies are discussed, and future directions are proposed to understand common elements of effective treatments and future research needed to strengthen existing weaknesses observed across studies. These efforts will contribute to the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based treatments for trauma exposed youth.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe epidemiological trends in trauma exposure among youth by type of exposure, sex differences, and periods of vulnerability
2. Compare and contrast the characteristics of evidence-based treatments across levels of evidence (from well-established to questionable efficacy)
3. Identify potential mediators and moderators of treatment effectiveness

Course Outline:

• Read and understand Evidence base update for psychosocial treatments for children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Reflect on common elements of well-established treatments and new approaches to treatment developed for trauma exposed youth
• Work through the post-test questions; keep in mind that answer selections should be derived from the respective article
• Return to the referenced article for any missed questions and/or to better understand the limitations of current evidence-based treatments and future research need to strengthen treatment effectiveness

Approvals: