Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS)

The CBITS program is a school-based, group and individual intervention that uses cognitive-behavioral techniques. It is designed to reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and behavioral problems, as well as to improve functioning, grades and attendance, peer and parent support, and coping skills. CBITS has been used with students in grades 5–12 who have witnessed or experienced traumatic life events, such as community and school violence, accidents and injuries, physical abuse and domestic violence, and natural and human-made disasters. CBITS is delivered by mental health professionals in school settings. CBITS is composed of 10 group sessions and one to three individual sessions with students, with optional opportunities for parent involvement and educational outreach to teachers.

Last reviewed: 2023

Intended Outcomes:
The goals of Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) are:

  • Reduce symptoms related to trauma exposure
  • Build skills and enhance resilience to stress
  • Build peer and caregiver support

Continuum of Care:
Treatment

Topic Areas:
Anxiety, Behavioral Health/Mental Health, Depression, Disruptive Behaviors, Trauma

Ages:
Childhood (4-12), Teen/Adolescent (13-18)

Geographic Locations:
Rural, Urban

Delivery Settings:
School-Based

Cultural Considerations:
Significant and well-articulated attention was given to disparities in outcomes

Audience:
CBITS has been used with students in grades 5–12 who have witnessed or experienced traumatic life events, such as community and school violence, accidents and injuries, physical abuse and domestic violence, and natural and human-made disasters.

Credentials:
Licensed clinician. Certification required.

Manuals:
Yes

Is Training Required?
Yes, see developer info

Who can provide the required training?
Clinicians can receive CBITS training through several formats: live trainings (in person or virtual) and online. Although the live trainings with certified trainers are considered the gold-standard training approach, the online training is a great option when a live training is not feasible. Click here to learn more about the trainings.

Program Costs (materials, training, etc.):
Yes, refer to program website

Program/Practice Website:
https://traumaawareschools.org/index.php/learn-more-cbits/

Relevant Published, Peer-Reviewed Research:

Auslander, W., Edmond, T., Foster, A., Smith, P., McGinnis, H., Gerke, D., Tlapek, S., Threlfall, J., Voth Schrag, R., Dunn, J., & Jonson-Reid, M. (2020). Cognitive behavioral intervention for trauma in adolescent girls in child welfare: A randomized controlled trial. Children and Youth Services Review, 119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105602

Ferreira, R., & Allison, A. (2017). Implementing Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) with Latino Youth. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 34(2), 181–189. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-016-0486-9

Jaycox, L. H., Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., Walker, D. W., Langley, A. K., Gegenheimer, K. L., Scott, M., & Schonlau, M. (2010). Children’s mental health care following Hurricane Katrina: A field trial of trauma-focused psychotherapies. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 23(2), 223–231. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.20518

Stein, B. D., Jaycox, L. H., Kataoka, S. H., Wong, M., Tu, W., Elliott, M. N., & Fink, A. (2003). A Mental Health Intervention for Schoolchildren Exposed to Violence: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 290(5), 603–611.

Morsette, A., Swaney, G., Stolle, D., Schuldberg, D., van den Pol, R., & Young, M. (2009). Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS): School-based treatment on a rural American Indian reservation. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 40(1), 169–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2008.07.006

Kataoka, S. H., Stein, B. D., Jaycox, L. H., Wong, M., Escudero, P., Tu, W., & Fink, A. (2003). A school-based mental health program for traumatized Latino immigrant children. Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 42, 311–318

Additional Sources:

https://traumaawareschools.org/index.php/learn-more-cbits/

Supported By Research

WV Rating:
Supported by Research
»WV Ratings Info

Rationale for Rating:

There was more than one RCT with statistically significant outcomes, however we felt the RCTs could have been more rigorous. Studies lacked follow up, blinding, and controls.

Other Registries/Ratings

The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare:
Promising Research Evidence

Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development:
Promising

Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness:
Unclear +

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Model Programs Guide:
Effective - More than one study

Washington State Institute for Public Policy:
Found on the registry. See link for more information.

Washington State Institute for Public Policy Registry Link:
https://www.wsipp.wa.gov/BenefitCost/Program/155