Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Programs

Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) – Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Children and adolescents are provided with Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to prevent the development of serious mental illness for children and adolescents who have experienced a traumatic life event.

TF-CBT is an evidence-based therapy approach for children and adolescents who are experiencing significant emotional and behavioral difficulties related to traumatic life events such as child sexual or physical abuse; loss of a loved one; domestic school, or community violence; exposure to disasters, terrorist attacks, or war trauma. This intervention targets symptoms of post-traumatic street disorder (PTSD), which often co-occurs with depression and other behavioral problems. It also addresses issues commonly experienced by traumatized children, such as poor self-esteem, difficulty trusting others, mood instability, and self-injurious behavior, including substance use. Children and parents learn new skills to help process thoughts and feelings related to traumatic life events; manage and resolve distressing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related traumatic life events; and enhance safety, growth, parenting skills, and family communication.

Reports

MHSA Three Year Program and Expenditure Plans