Problematic Sexual Behavior

Overview

There isn’t one type of child or teen who engages in problematic or illegal sexual behavior. Most often there are many factors that lead to this behavior. Each youth is different and each family is different. What’s important now is for you and your child to work with your treatment provider to understand which factors are most relevant for your child or teen and how to overcome them.

The majority of children and teens with problematic or illegal sexual behavior do not go on to become adult sex offenders. With treatment and good parental supervision and support, most youth will never engage in another problematic or illegal sexual behavior. Youth who complete treatment can lead happy and successful lives.

Problematic Sexual Behavior – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT™) treatment programs are available for children ages 7 to 12 and teens ages 13 to 18 and their caregivers.

Behaviors

Children and youth are referred for behaviors including:

• Repeatedly exposing themselves to others
• Excessive masturbation
• Failure to recognize socially acceptable physical boundaries
• Preoccupation with pornography and other sexualized content
• Generation and/or dissemination of sexualized images of self or others
• Aggressive sexual acts

Treatment

The first step is an assessment to determine if the group treatment program is a good fit for the youth and family. If accepted into the PSB-CBT™ program, children and teens will learn:

• Rules and laws about sexual behavior
• Privacy and boundary rules
• Coping skills and impulse control skills
• Social skills

Caregivers must participate in the PSB-CBT™ program. They learn:

• To distinguish normal from problematic sexual behaviors in children and youth
• Appropriate responses to youth’s sexual behaviors
• Ways to prevent problematic sexual behavior
• Effective responses to other behavioral problems
• Effective caregiver/youth communication strategies

Youth and their caregivers meet at the same time in separate groups once a week in the early evening. Combined sessions occur where youth and caregivers can practice new skills.

Referrals

To make a referral for Problematic Sexual Behavior – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy™, complete the online referral form below or call the Clinical Director at (919) 385-0813.

We accept referrals from: parents and guardians; mental health, medical, school, and other professionals; juvenile justice; NC Department of Social Services; and NC Department of Public Safety.

*Independent contractor providing services on CCFH’s behalf