Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for children: A study of process and outcome.

This study seeks to examine whether Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) results in better outcomes for traumatized youth than the treatment that is commonly provided in regular clinical practice in Norwegian Child Guidance Clinics. The fo llowing research questions are posed: Is TF-CBT more effective than treatment as usual? Are there any effect differences between types of trauma? What role does the therapeutic alliance play in predicting drop-out and outcome? What role does parental supp ort play in outcome? Is TF-CBT more cost efficient than TAU? Does the children's quality of life change pre- and post treatment? The study is an effectiveness study. A random control design will be applied in regular clinical settings, using actual reffer red cases. Therapists from three child guidance have recieved training in the TF-CBT model. A total of 100-125 cases will be ranomly assigned to either a TF-CBT treatment group or a treatment as usual group. One critcal research challange is gaining colla boration with clinic. This study is important for several reasons. First, many Norwegian children and adolescents are expected to experience trauma, that may result in serious impairement if they do not receive adequate therapy. The need to learn more abo ut how these children can be helped is vital. Second, this is the first TF-CBT study to be conducted in Europe. Knowledge about how the method can be implemented in countries outside The US and what cultural differences need to be taken into consideration will be of importance. Third, the model has not been tested in regular clinical settings before. We therefore do not know whether to expect the same effect, nor if it's feasible to implement the model in regular clinics. Fouth, little is known of the cos t-effectiveness or cost-benefit of therapy for traumatized children. For treatment planners and policy makers more knowledge on the costs associated with interventions may provide for more efficient services