A Consensus Statement on Trauma Mental Health: The New Haven Competency Conference Process and Major Findings

Author(s)

J. M. Cook
E. Newman

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice and Policy

ISSN

1942-9681

Publication Date

1-1-2010

Abstract

Although the scientific literature on traumatic stress is large and growing, most psychologists have only a cursory knowledge of this science and have no formal training in, nor apply evidence-based psychosocial treatments for, trauma-related disorders. Thus, there exists a clear need for the development and dissemination of a comprehensive model of trauma-focused, empirically informed competencies (knowledge, skills, and attitudes). Therefore, the New Haven Competencies consensus conference was assembled. Sixty experts participated in a nominal group process delineating 5 broad foundational and functional competencies in the areas of trauma-focused and trauma-informed scientific knowledge, psychosocial assessment, psychosocial interventions, professionalism, and relational and systems. In addition, 8 cross-cutting competencies were voted into the final product. These trauma competencies can provide the basis for the future training of a trauma-informed mental health workforce.

DOI

10.1037/a0036747

Volume

6

Issue

4

First Page

300

Last Page

307

NSUWorks Citation

Cook, J. M., Newman, E. (2010). A Consensus Statement on Trauma Mental Health: The New Haven Competency Conference Process and Major Findings. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice and Policy, 6(4), 300-307.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/1357