Utilization of evidence-based treatment models at community-based mental health settings for young children exposed to violence

Background: Little is known about which therapeutic treatment models are being used most commonly at community-based mental health settings to treat young children exposed to violence. Objective: We aimed to (1) explore the use of commonly applied treatment models for young children exposed to violence across community-based clinical sites and (2) examine the associations of the use of these models with child demographics and type(s) of violence to which the child was exposed. The models examined included Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attention, Regulation, and Competency (ARC), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). Participants and setting: Participants were 500 children aged 0-6 years, who were exposed to violence and received treatment at 1 of the 12 community-based sites. The mean age was 48.1 months (SD = 13.9 months). Methods: Descriptive analyses were conducted on child demographics, type of violence, and treatment model(s) employed. Binary logistic regressions were conducted to examine the associations of treatment model(s) used with child demographics and type of violence. Results: 76.2% of the sample received CCPT or an integrative approach, rather than evidence-based treatments (e.g., CBT, CPP). Black children were more likely to receive CCPT (OR = 6.490; 95% CI = 1.262, 33.375). Hispanic children were less likely to receive ARC (OR = 0.234; 95% CI = 0.074, 0.738). Associations between type of violence exposure and treatment model utilization were also found. Conclusions: Our results underscore a need to disseminate EBTs, as well as to assure that treatment needs of individual children are met.