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Virtual Training Available for Intensive Behavioral Therapy (IBT) and Family-Based Behavioral Treatment (FBT)

The University of Missouri and Washington University in St. Louis are offering virtual training programs that meet the initial specialist certification requirements for delivering Intensive Behavioral Therapy (IBT) and/or Family-Based Behavioral Treatment (FBT) as part of the Biopsychosocial Treatment of Obesity program.

These university-affiliated trainings are designed for licensed behavioral health providers and registered dietitian nutritionists who do not yet meet the required experience criteria and need to complete a qualified training program.

Training Overview
The trainings are delivered by content experts and include interactive didactic instruction and simulation-based learning conducted by training center staff. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based, family-centered approaches to weight management and obesity treatment for adults and/or youth. Participants receive a certificate upon completion of the qualified training program.

Training Requirements
Certification to deliver IBT/FBT requires completion of one or more of the following introductory trainings, depending on the populations served:

  • Pediatric Family-Based Behavioral Treatment (FBT) Introductory Training-For providers who work exclusively with children and adolescents
  • 4-Session IBT Introductory Series-For providers who work exclusively with adults
  • Both trainings-For providers who serve both pediatric and adult populations

After completing the online introductory training(s), participants complete the required simulation activities. Upon successful completion, initial specialist certification is granted.

Certification and Renewal
Initial IBT/FBT specialist certification is valid for one year. During the year following initial training and certification, licensed professionals must complete 24 hours of structured consultation, which may be fulfilled through 24 ECHO sessions or consultation with an experienced IBT/FBT provider in an individual or small group format. These consultations involve case review and feedback to support competency in the delivery of IBT and/or FBT.

During the year following initial training and certification, providers must complete 24 hours of structured consultation, fulfilled through 24 ECHO sessions and/or consultation with an experienced IBT/FBT provider, to support competency in the delivery of IBT and/or FBT. Consultations provided through the ECHO sessions are free. Additional individual/group consultation rates are available upon request from fbt@wustl.edu. 

Accessing the Trainings

  • The 4-session IBT Introductory Series offered by the University of Missouri is available through the training series website.
  • For the Pediatric FBT Introductory Training, register first for the Intensive Behavior Therapy ECHO and then you will obtain access to the FBT training that is offered by Washington University in St. Louis through its designated training website at no charge.  
  • For more information on the training and/or certification process, please contact fbt@wustl.edu.
     

Additional Information

For more information about the Biopsychosocial Treatment of Obesity benefit, please refer to the Behavioral Health Services Provider Manual. Additional education and training supports are available on the Education and Training Resources page.