Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) is designed to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety among children with symptoms of PTSD. It is a 10-session, school-based intervention that teaches cognitive behavioral skills in a group (6-8 students) format. The program uses a mixture of didactic presentation, examples, and games to solidify these concepts for youth.
The program includes relaxation training, combating negative thoughts, reducing avoidance, developing a trauma narrative, and building social problem solving skills. There are 1-3 individual child sessions, 2 optional caregiver sessions, and a teacher in-service session.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has consistent, considerable evidence of effectiveness for:
Social skills development
Anxiety disorders; phobias
Depression
Academic difficulties
Behavior challenges
PTSD
Many mental health, physical health, and relational difficulties
Tier 3, Grades K-8, Grades 6-12, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)