Co-Treatment in Child Trauma Care: From Assessment to Outcomes

Children exposed to trauma frequently experience co-occurring sensory processing challenges that can significantly impact engagement and treatment outcomes. Co-treatment (sessions co-facilitated by an occupational therapist and a behavioral health provider) offers an evidence-based, integrated-care approach to addressing both the sensory and emotional needs of children with complex trauma histories.

This two-hour training introduces participants to the foundations and application of co-treatment for child survivors of significant trauma. Participants will explore how sensory processing supports can be intentionally integrated into trauma-informed care to promote regulation, safety, and therapeutic progress. The training will emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, practical strategies for session planning and implementation, and the role of ongoing assessment in monitoring symptoms, strengths, and outcomes.

Topics will include:

• Defining and describing the co-treatment model for child trauma care, including the role of sensory processing supports in treatment.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration before, during, and after sessions to support the child and caregiving system.

• Examples of co-treatment activities and how they align with treatment goals and therapeutic objectives.

• The use of initial and ongoing assessment to track symptoms, distress, strengths, abilities, and progress.

• Strategies for collaborating with caregivers to support client progress and deepen understanding of the child’s social, emotional, academic, and functional needs.

• Considerations for billing, documentation, and record-keeping related to co-treatment services.

• Review of outcomes associated with co-treatment for child clients and their caregiving systems.

This training is designed for behavioral health clinicians, occupational therapists, and other professionals working with children impacted by trauma who are interested in evidence-based, collaborative approaches to care.

Cortny Stark (she/her) PhD LPCC LADAC CRC is an assistant professor with the University of New Mexico Department of Individual, Family, and Community Education, and telehealth therapist for the Trauma Treatment Center and Research Facility in Rio Rancho, NM. Dr. Stark’s research foci include the public’s perception of professional counselors, community-based advocacy efforts for transgender and gender-expansive youth, and the integration of trauma treatment models in the treatment of diverse populations. As a counselor educator, she encourages her students to critically evaluate taken-for-granted beliefs about gender and sex, and advocate for social change for historically oppressed communities.