Enhancing QUality & Impact of Evidence-based Practices for Trama Using Technologyy (EQUIPTT) Program

History

EQUIPTT, is a Training and Services Adaptation Center (Category II), within the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). EQUIPTT began in October 2021, with funding by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 

Mission

EQUIPTT’s mission is to leverage technology to increase access and quality of trauma-related care across youth, families and communities throughout the United States.

Goals & Objectives

Specific goals of EQUIPTT are to:

1. Reduce the gap in widespread availability of technology-based, scalable, and innovative, resources for trauma-affected youth and families.
2. Build workforce capacity for professionals serving trauma-affected youth between the ages of 7-18 by
   • developing technology-based products;
   • conducting trainings through webinars and Learning Collaboratives; and
   • promoting wide scale dissemination of resources through our website, social media, and partnerships.
3. Improve sustained quality delivery of trauma-focused evidence-based interventions across the U.S.
4. Expand access to trauma-focused evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for underserved populations.

To achieve these goals, we will:

1. Identify technology-related product development, resource, and training needs across the NCTSN by conducting a Network-wide needs assessment. These data will help to inform:
   • proposed training activities and product development,
   • development of tech-related resources, which we will then compile into a Technology Development Resource Toolkit (TDRT) for widespread dissemination
   • launch of our Consultation/Mentorship program
2. Modify training curricula for specific trauma-focused EBIs, Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Risk Reduction through Family Therapy (RRFT), to integrate the innovative use of technology, promote hybrid delivery (in person/virtual) and incorporate telehealth delivery.
3. Develop an online, asynchronous web course for RRFT (RRFTWeb), which will mirror our highly successful TF-CBT Web course that is used widely within and outside of the NCTSN as a critical foundational learning component.
4. Conduct technology-based trainings (LCs/CBLCs) to increase the number of providers skilled to deliver trauma-focused, EBIs (TF-CBT, RRFT) and address implementation challenges in collaboration with partners within and outside of the NCTSN.
5. Develop and disseminate a resource for sustainable quality delivery of trauma focused EBIs - the Supporting Providers and Reaching Kids (SPARK) toolkit, which consists of a collection of interactive games and activities designed to help clinicians engage children in key elements of TF-CBT, maintaining fidelity to the protocol, and help providers prepare for sessions. Develop and disseminate a resource for sustainable quality delivery of trauma-focused EBIs - the SPARK toolkit, which consists of a collection of interactive games and activities designed to help clinicians engage children in key elements of TF-CBT, maintain fidelity to the protocol, and help providers prepare for sessions.
6. Adapt and disseminate an evidence-based youth self-directed app (Bounce Back Now) to expand access of trauma-focused EBIs across wide-ranging populations. This app has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing mental health symptoms following a natural disaster. We plan to adapt this app to an iOS platform and enhance content to increase its applicability across a variety of youth populations and a broader range of traumatic events. The app consists of education and coping skills that are relevant for youth exposed to a variety of traumatic events.