Trauma – SBIRT

Background

Adapted from Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for substance misuse, Trauma SBIRT (T-SBIRT) is a brief protocol designed for healthcare and social service settings. Its purpose is to help service recipients generate insight into their trauma exposure and enhance their motivation to seek mental health or related services. Additionally, T-SBIRT strengthens the trauma-responsive elements of service models by translating trauma-informed principles into specific practices such as screening for trauma exposure and symptoms, educating about trauma and its effects, and referring to trauma-focused treatment.

Researchers at the ICFW developed T-SBIRT under the auspices of a SAMHSA training grant, assessing its feasibility when implemented in primary healthcare clinics. Due to its uncomplicated design, T-SBIRT fits well within diverse settings, and the ICFW has implemented and tested the protocol with workforce development and home visiting programs.

Feasibility results indicate that T-SBIRT:

• Requires only 10 to 30 minutes to complete (contingent on the setting)
• Is acceptable to service recipients
• Results in high rates of referral

Learn More

Trauma SBIRT Protocol Integrity Checklist

Trauma SBIRT Protocol Integrity Checklist (abbreviated)

Journal Article – Primary care T-SBIRT feasibility study

Journal Article – Workforce development T-SBIRT feasibility study

Journal Article – Workforce Development T-SBIRT Outcome Study

Journal Article – Home Visiting T-SBIRT Feasibility Data

Issue Brief – T-SBIRT

Article – T-SBIRT: Improving the lives of those exposed to serious trauma

SAMHSA Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)

SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach

Child Health and Development Institute of Connecticut’s IMPACT: Trauma Informed Systems