Alison Salloum, PhD, professor in the School of Social Work, presented research on an innovative treatment model for children after trauma at the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) 41st Annual Meeting on Sept. 20 in Baltimore, MD.
Salloum joined international colleagues as part of the workshop "Bridging the Service Needs/Gap with a Parent-Led Therapist-Assisted Intervention for Children After Trauma Within a Stepped Care Intervention." The session was chaired by Tine Jensen, PhD, of the Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, with additional presentations from Silje Ormhaug, PhD, of the same institute.
The workshop highlighted Stepped Care Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children After Trauma (SC-CBT-CT), a model designed for children ages 3 to 12. The approach begins with Stepping Together for Children After Trauma (ST-CT), a parent-led, therapist-assisted treatment that can progress to therapist-led trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy if more intensive care is needed.
This stepped care approach addresses a significant service gap by increasing accessibility while reducing treatment costs. Three randomized clinical trials in the United States have found SC-CBT-CT to be as effective as standard trauma-focused therapy, while lowering costs by 50 percent. A feasibility trial in Norway further demonstrated the model鈥檚 adaptability across cultural contexts.
The workshop provided an overview of the model, insights from children, parents, and therapists, evidence of its effectiveness, and practical guidelines for implementing parent-led interventions.
The ISTSS is an international, interdisciplinary professional organization that promotes the advancement and exchange of knowledge about traumatic stress. Its mission includes understanding the scope and consequences of traumatic exposure, preventing traumatic events and reducing their effects, and advocating for the field of traumatic stress.