Training Courses in Child Psychotherapy

If you’re interested in child mental health psychotherapy training for yourself or your staff, consider the resources made available by The REACH Institute.

Psychotherapy Training Courses

The REACH Institute’s CATIE program (Child and Adolescent Training In Evidence-based Psychotherapy) features hands-on training in four different forms of evidence-based psychotherapy, each by leading experts. These psychotherapy training programs are built on scientifically established therapy methods of cognitive behavioral therapy and behavior therapy. For those wishing to become truly expert, we also offer "Master Clinician" training, enabling learners to become expert in the major forms of therapy for most childhood behavioral and emotional disorders.  Master Clinicians may qualify to become trainers in their own right, enabling them to offer REACH psychotherapy training to other therapists in their own clinical treatment settings.

Our Evidence-based Approaches for Systems Serving Youth (EASSY program) offers training in multiple methods – not just cognitive behavioral therapy, behavior therapy, and psychopharmacology, but also assessment and diagnosis of child mental health disorders. In addition, the EASSY program offers other integrated methods to improve children’s behavioral health, such as the Parent Empowerment Program, a training program for parent advocates who work closely with parents to coach them in getting optimal care for their children with mental health problems. All of the REACH Institute’s programs seek to bridge the gap between science and practical application. By working with you to bridge this gap, together we can create a future where every child’s emotional and behavioral needs can be met.

Training Course Requirements and Eligibility

Our psychotherapy training programs are designed for licensed clinicians who have either no or extensive experience in child psychotherapies, from pediatricians, family doctors, school counselors and nurses, to persons with extensive psychotherapy experience, but who were not taught the latest proven psychotherapy methods during graduate school, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and family therapists.  All training courses start with an initial, intensive 3-5 day training period (depending on how many psychotherapy techniques are being taught), and utilize a mix of role-plays, skills practice exercises, engaging lectures, small group practice sessions, video demonstrations, helping each student gain initial basic competence.  Training courses continue for up to one and one-half years, using twice-monthly distance learning conferences, such as webinars and conference calls in small learning groups.  Accreditation and certification are available, and initial training courses can be provided at your location.