Type of services provided:
Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma for Children (ITCT-C) is an assessment-driven, multimodal treatment for children from diverse backgrounds experiencing complex trauma. ITCT-C was specifically developed to be responsive and sensitive to cultural differences and the effects of poverty and social marginalization. Assessment occurs at 2-3-month intervals to identify symptoms and issues requiring focused clinical attention. ITCT-C uses multiple treatment modalities including:
- Relational/attachment-oriented
- Cognitive therapy
- Exposure therapy
- Play therapy
- Mindfulness skills development
- Affect regulation training
- Trigger management
- Psychoeducation in individual and group therapy
Collateral and family therapy approaches are integrated into treatment as needed. ITCT-C is relationally-based and incorporates specific approaches for complex trauma including elements of the Self Trauma model, attachment theory, cognitive behavioral approaches, and family systems theory. Current trauma-related concerns such as safety, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress are addressed as early in treatment as possible to increase the client’s capacity to explore more chronic and complex trauma issues. Complex trauma concerns, including attachment problems, chronic negative relational scheme, behavioral and affect dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties and identity-related challenges are addressed as they arise. The impact of insecure caregiver-child attachment relationships relative to magnifying the effects of traumatic experiences is integral to ITCT-C clinical formulations and interventions. Disparities and inequities associated with poverty and cultural/racial injustices are also considered potential sources of trauma for the child and family, and addressed through advocacy and collaboration with community agencies.
Program setting:
Outpatient clinic, school, hospital, inpatient and forensic; appropriate for children in the foster care system, the juvenile justice system and residential treatment; involves collaboration with multiple community agencies.
Length of program/number of sessions:
16-36 sessions; the length of ITCT-C can be longer or shorter depending on the needs of the individual and family as determined by periodic assessment.
Type(s) of trauma/concerns addressed:
Complex trauma, intimate partner violence, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect, medical trauma, traumatic loss, parental substance abuse.
Education level of providers:
Mental health clinician
Unique/Innovative Characteristics:
- ITCT-C is designed to meet the complex and individualized needs of traumatized children and their families. ITCT has also been adapted and expanded for adolescents and is profiled on the website: attc.usc.edu for the University of Southern California Adolescent Training Center). Many treatment guides, assessment and intervention tools, and other resources can be downloaded free-of-charge.
- Culturally inclusive, client-oriented intervention that is specifically adapted for children who are economically disadvantaged and socially marginalized
- Designated as a trauma-informed, culturally competent intervention by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) in 2017.
- ITCT-C and ITCT-A (adolescent version) are supported by empirical evidence published in 2016.