TF-CBT is a short-term intervention that generally lasts anywhere from eight to 25 sessions and can take place in an outpatient mental health clinic, group home, community center, hospital, school, or in-home setting. Treatment takes place with a non-offending parent or caregiver. Often, the treatment will begin where the child and non-offending caregiver have separate therapy sessions and advance to engaging in joint sessions.

Cognitive behavioral techniques help modify distorted or unhelpful thinking, negative reactions, and behaviors. Challenging invasive thoughts of guilt and fear can help patients reorganize their thinking more healthily and happily.

The family therapy aspect of trauma-focused CBT attends to the problems family members may have in dealing with the trauma suffered by the child, including the use of various stress management, communication, and parenting skills.

Research comparing TF-CBT to other treatment models shows significantly more significant gains in well-being for children and parents.