Alternatives for Families: | A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

AF-CBT Videos

AN INTRODUCTION TO AF-CBT

8 minute video

FOUNDATIONS OF AF-CBT

2.5 hour video course with CE Credit

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AF- CBT Telehealth Adaptations

Click here for information on telehealth adaptations for AF-CBT.

What Is AF-CBT?

Alternatives for Families: a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) is a trauma-informed evidence-based treatment (EBT) designed to improve the relationships between children and caregivers in families involved in arguments/conflict, physical force/discipline/aggression, child physical abuse, or child behavior problems.

What's New

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A photo of a laptop displaying the welcome screen of the AF-CBT self-paced training. Text on the photo reads: Cultural Adaptation Supplements Coming Soon. The AF-CBT team at the University of Pittsburgh has conducted stakeholder discussion groups to develop treatment adaptations and recommendations for applying AF-CBT with Latin American and Spanish Speaking as well as African American and Black families. These adaptations will soon be made available to AF-CBT trainees on the Session Guides and Handouts page in the Materials for Members section of this website (sign in required).

A photo of a laptop displaying the welcome screen of the AF-CBT self-paced training. Text on the photo reads: Self-Paced AF-CBT Training Course Coming Soon. We are excited to announce that a self-paced training in Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will be available soon. This Pitt Professional course features presentations by AF-CBT trainers, interactive activities, and case example and skill demonstration videos. Contact us if you would like to be informed when course registration is available.

A photo of Mineko Inuzuka, Shiho Eguchi, Barbara Baumann, and Yasuko Hoshina dining at a sushi restaurant. Text on the photo reads: Meeting with the AF-CBT Japan Team. In November 2024, our AF-CBT national trainers from Pittsburgh and Japan had a chance to meet for lunch in Tokyo. It was a wonderful chance to share training and clinical ideas and challenges. AF-CBT is fortunate to have strong leadership in Japan where an annual AF-CBT training takes place. Click here to learn more about AF-CBT in Japan.

A photo of Isa I Velez Echevarria, Barbara Baumann, Eunice Torres, and David Kolko. Text on the photo reads: Work Groups Meet to Enhance AF-CBT’s Cultural Responsiveness. The Pitt AF-CBT team met with Isa I Velez Echevarria in October 2024 to discuss adaptations of AF-CBT for Latin American and Spanish-speaking families. We appreciate Isa and Eunice Torres’s work and expertise as they lead clinician workgroups dedicated to making AF-CBT more broadly applicable.

A fillable AF-CBT handout displayed in Adobe PDF for completion on a computer. Title: Fillable Handouts. Text: AF-CBT now offers fillable PDF handouts for use by practitioners. These handouts can be completed on a mobile device or computer, making them ideal for use in telehealth. These are offered freely on the “Adaptations for Telehealth” page, as well as to AF-CBT members in the “Materials for AF-CBT Members” section. Click here to learn more.

A woman seated in front of a computer screen displaying a training web page. Title: On-Demand NCTSN Academy Training for Military Providers. Text: The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Academy on Child Traumatic Stress (Academy) collaborated with a co-developer and a national trainer of Alternatives for Families: a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) to provide training to clinical providers in the U.S. Military. This on-demand course prepares providers with the necessary skills and knowledge to address family conflict and child aggression using a variety of proven learning approaches that clinicians can quickly learn and put into practice. Click here to learn more.

Dr. Kolko pictured in front of a projected presentation. Title: It has been an active year for training clinicians to provide local trainings in AF-CBT and AFP (Alternatives for Professionals). We are excited to offer a train-the-trainer program to provide agencies with on-site trainers. If you're interested in becoming an on-site trainer, just reach out to our team!

Contact Us

Have a question about AF-CBT or AFP?
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Upcoming Events

October 2025 NCA Remote Training

Fiore
October 28, 30, November 4, 6, 2025
12PM-4PM ET

December 2025 Remote Training

Baumann, Kolko
Dec 3, 10, 12, 16, 2025
12PM-4PM ET

Request a New AF-CBT Training Session

Learn More About AF-CBT Training

If you are a member of the United States Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program seeking training, please contact the NCTSN Academy Help Desk to request access to the on-demand NCTSN Academy Training for Military Providers.

AFP Trainings

Alternatives for Professionals is designed for professionals who do not provide direct counseling services to families.

September 2025 Remote AFP Training

Baumann
Dates TBD

Join a Training or Request an AFP Training Session

Learn More About AFP Training