The Child Advocacy Program (CAP) announces the agency’s three mental health counselors have completed the Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) National Therapist Certification Program from the Allegany Health Network and the Rowan University CARES Institute.

Tammy Simmons, Tamie Gates and Karen Dillon are licensed social workers and University at Buffalo graduates who recently completed the certification process.

Simmons is CAP’s full-time mental health counselor. Gates and Dillon provide counseling to children at CAP through a linkage agreement with Chautauqua County Mental Hygiene. The trio has been providing TF-CBT at CAP since 2012. The national certification is valid for five years.

TF-CBT helps children heal after a life-altering event. TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents impacted by trauma. The model includes parents and caregivers in the treatment process. TF-CBT successfully resolves a broad array of emotional and behavioral difficulties associated with trauma experiences. Results are often noticed in as few as seven sessions. Children who receive TF-CBT are better prepared to handle the long-term symptoms that may be associated with traumatic life experiences.

CAP receives funding from United Way, local donations and Office of Victim Services, to provide counseling at no cost to children and families.

“On behalf of CAP, I would like to say how proud we are to have such qualified staff serving our most vulnerable population of children,” said Jana McDermott, executive director.

CAP is a nationally accredited nonprofit child advocacy center dedicated to ending child abuse in Chautauqua County. When abuse occurs, CAP coordinates a community response to bring healing, hope and justice to children and families. CAP is a United Way Community Partner with offices in Jamestown and Fredonia. To learn more call 716-338-9844 or visit capjustice.org.