Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS)
What is TBS?
Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS) is a specialized service for youth under 18 who are experiencing significant behavioral challenges and would benefit from structured, focused support. TBS approaches behavior as a learned pattern that can be reshaped over time through consistent intervention, reinforcement of positive behaviors, and active involvement from the youth’s support network. Over the course of approximately 4–9 months, families receive individualized, hands-on guidance aimed at reducing challenging behaviors while strengthening the skills of caregivers and other key adults. By coaching the adults who interact with the youth daily, TBS ensures that effective interventions continue beyond the service period, creating long-term, sustainable improvement for both the child and their family.
How it works:
TBS is delivered in four key phases:
1.
Behavior Assessment/Observation Phase
The team observes and gathers information to understand the reasons behind challenging behaviors. They track how often behaviors occur and how they affect daily life, providing families with insight into their child’s patterns.
2.
Behavior Intervention Planning
Based on the assessment, the team develops a plan tailored to the youth’s needs. Families are included in creating strategies, ensuring interventions fit naturally into home, school, and community settings.
3.
Intervention & Caregiver Coaching
The TBS coach works directly with the youth and caregiver to practice new skills while coaching caregivers and key adults to implement interventions consistently. This helps families feel confident and equipped to support their child beyond therapy sessions.
4.
Transition & Graduation
As goals are met, the team plans a thoughtful transition out of TBS. Families are prepared to maintain progress, ensuring that the positive changes continue long-term.
Why it works:
TBS is effective because it combines individualized support for the youth with guidance and coaching for caregivers and key adults. By teaching new skills, reinforcing positive behaviors, and involving the child’s support network, TBS creates consistent strategies across home, school, and community settings. This collaborative approach not only helps reduce challenging behaviors but also empowers families to continue supporting their child long after formal services end, leading to lasting, meaningful change.
Who qualifies?
A child or teen may qualify for Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS) if they:
Are under 18 and experiencing behavioral challenges that are difficult to manage at home, school, or in the community.
Show behaviors that impact daily life, such as intense tantrums, aggression, defiance, running away, emotional outbursts, or unsafe actions.
Need more hands-on, structured support than traditional outpatient therapy alone can provide.
Have tried other supports, but still struggle with behavior patterns that get in the way of their success or family stability.
Are at risk of needing a higher level of care, like hospitalization or residential treatment, without extra behavioral help.
Would benefit from individualized coaching that teaches caregivers how to respond effectively to challenging behaviors.
Have caregivers who are willing to participate in skill-building, practice, and implementing consistent strategies at home.
Are actively engaged in mental health treatment, such as therapy so their care is well-coordinated.