Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) is an empirically-validated treatment for trauma-exposed children aged 0-5 who are experiencing attachment problems, disruptive behavior and/or other mental health symptoms. Typically, the child is seen with his or her primary caregiver, and the dyad is the unit of treatment. The goal of treatment is to support the child-caregiver relationship, so the strong relationship can promote healing. CPP examines how the trauma and the caregivers’ relational history and other contextual factors affect the dyad’s relationship and the child’s developmental trajectory.

Who should be referred to the Counseling4Kids CPP Program?

Families must meet the following criteria:

• Child must be under 6 years old and must have experienced trauma.
• The child must be experiencing trauma-related symptoms (such as difficulty bonding with parent/caregiver, excessive tantrums, increased sadness/fears).
• If you don’t see the above symptoms but have concern that a child may be at risk of developing them, you may refer the child for an assessment to determine if treatment is recommended.
• Caregivers/parents may be temporary, such as foster parents or extended family members. This type of treatment is also appropriate for children living with biological/adoptive parents, long-term foster parents, or permanent legal guardians.
• Parents/Caregivers must be committed to improving their relationship with their child and must be willing to actively participate in most or all treatment sessions.
• The child must have full-scope Medi-Cal, OR the family must be able to pay a sliding scale fee.

How to begin receiving CPP services from Counseling4Kids

Contact our office and ask to make a referral to our CPP program. Referrals can be made by the parents or caregiver, DCFS social worker, or Foster Family Agency social worker.

For the Glendale Office, contact (818) 441-7800 or Download the Counseling4Kids Referral Form

For the Torrance Office, contact (310) 817-2177 or Download the Counseling4Kids Referral Form