Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Among Therapists Participating in Learning Collaboratives: Examining Two...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Psychology
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Community-Based Learning Collaboratives (CBLC) are intensive training packages for evidence-based treatments (EBTs) involving multidisciplinary teams.
• While CBLCs enhance implementation factors and treatment outcomes, they require greater investment than standard Learning Collaboratives (LCs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness and efficiency of CBLC versus LC training models for Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
• To inform decisions regarding the selection of optimal training packages for community-based mental health interventions.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 441 community therapists trained in either TF-CBT LC (n=188) or TF-CBT CBLC (n=253).
• Outcomes for 660 youth (ages 8-18) treated by these therapists were analyzed using mixed-effect linear regressions.

Main Results:

• Both training models led to significant reductions in youth's post-traumatic stress (PTS) and depressive symptoms.
• Therapists trained via LC demonstrated significantly better outcomes for treating youth PTS compared to those trained via CBLC.
• No significant difference in outcomes for depressive symptoms was observed between the LC and CBLC models.

Conclusions:

• The standard LC model appears more efficient for treating youth post-traumatic stress (PTS) in TF-CBT.
• Both LC and CBLC models show comparable effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms in youth.
• CBLC's multidisciplinary approach may aid in identifying depressive symptoms and improving treatment retention post-trauma.