Training Mental Health Professionals in Child Sexual Abuse: Curricular Guidelines

Abstract

Given the incidence of child sexual abuse in the United States, mental health professionals need training to detect, assess, and treat victims and should possess a clear understanding of the process of victimization. However, many mental health professionals who work with children and families have not been exposed to any training in child sexual abuse during their formal education. This article will examine the need for such training, suggest critical components of child sexual abuse training, and describe various methods of training (e.g., in person, Web-based, and community resources).

Keywords:

• child sexual abuse education
• training
• curriculum
• educational components
• helping professional

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Maureen C. Kenny

Maureen C. Kenny, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Leadership and Professional Studies, College of Education, at Florida International University. Her research interests include prevention of child sexual victimization and professional compliance with mandatory reporting of child maltreatment.

Roberto L. Abreu

Roberto L. Abreu, MS, is a counseling psychology doctoral student in the College of Education at the University of Kentucky. His current research interests include child and adolescent well-being, including issues related to child abuse and neglect and sexual minority and gender expansive youth.