Individual cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and group CBT for symptomatic youth who have been exposed to traumatic events are recommended based on strong evidence of effectiveness in reducing psychological harm. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to reduce psychological harm among children and adolescents who have psychological symptoms resulting from exposure to traumatic events. Therapists administer CBT individually or in a group, and treatment may be accompanied by therapy sessions for or with parents.

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Effect Behavioral Change, Effect Health System Change, Reduce Risk or Incidence of Disease or Condition, Reduce Morbidity, Healthcare, Public Health, Community- & Faith-Based Organizations, Clinical Practice, Behavioral & Social, Secondary Prevention, Patients

Community Preventive Services Task Force. Recommendations to reduce psychological harm from traumatic events among children and adolescents. Am J Prev Med [Internet]. 2008 Sep [cited 2013 Feb 22];35(3):314-6. Available from http://www.thecommunityguide.org/violence/RecommReducePsychHarmTraumaticEvent_ChildrenAdolescents.pdf