The Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) is a widely utilized, evidence-based group treatment that has been adapted for use with students from various cultural backgrounds. Input from school staff members, parents and clinicians in the Richmond, Virginia, area was utilized to update and adapt the CBITS to reflect the cultural identities and experiences of local students. The modified intervention, the RVA CBITS Update, will be discussed, and suggestions for implementing similar adaptations in other localities will be shared.
Chanda Bass, D.S.W., LCSW, C-SSWS, CCTP, CATP, has worked in public schools for the past 27 years as a school social worker. She is a recent graduate of the Doctor of Social Work program at California Baptist University. She completed her final research project on culturally adapting an evidence-based trauma intervention for use in schools in her region. She earned a Master of Social Work degree in 1998 from Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Bass served as a subject matter expert for the national certification program, Culturally Informed Responses to Grief and Loss. Dr. Bass enjoys educating and supporting social work students.