SPARCS Cohort #14
Applications Open! - (Fall 2026)
09/10/2026 - 09/10/2026
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Training in Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS)
SPARCS is a strengths-based group model for youth ages 12 to 21 who have been exposed to chronic trauma and/or stress. SPARCS is appropriate for youth who experience functional impairments including difficulties with regulating emotions, behaviors and impulses; maintaining healthy relationships; paying attention and processing information; and managing physical complaints and other symptoms of chronic trauma and stress.
Treatment consists of 16, one-hour sessions. SPARCS can be delivered in a variety of clinical and community settings (e.g., outpatient clinics, schools, residential treatment facilities.) SPARCS has also been successfully delivered in juvenile justice and child welfare settings.
Who Should Apply for SPARCS Cohort 14?
SPARCS Learning Collaboratives train teams from community based mental health agencies and schools. Our model relies on clinicians training together with an administrative leader from their agency to ensure successful implementation and sustainability.
Team Requirements
SPARCS groups are usually led by one Group Facilitator and one Group Support, OR two Group Facilitators. Agency teams are led by one or more Senior Leaders.
Group Facilitator (clinician):
- Responsible for leading SPARCS groups;
- Licensed Master’s- or PhD-level clinicians working with students
- Attends all learning sessions
Senior Leader:
- Responsible for supporting and overseeing SPARCS implementation
- Has authority to make decisions within the school or agency regarding time and resources
Application Information
| Applications Open | March 3, 2026 |
| Application Link | SPARCS Application – Cohort #14 |
| Have questions? Register for our upcoming info call: | SPARCS Info call: March 19, 2026 @ 12:00 p.m. ET Register Here |
| Acceptance Notifications | Applications will remain open until capacity is reached. |
Training Dates
| Virtual Welcome Call/Orientation | September 10, 2026 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
| Learning Session #1 – In-person Blue Hill Event Center Chapel Hill, NC | September 23 & 24, 2026 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Learning Session #2 – In-person Blue Hill Event Center Chapel Hill, NC | December 2 & 3, 2026 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Learning Session #3 – Virtual | March 11, 2027 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
Training Costs
| Group Facilitators | $750 |
| Group Supports | $150 |
| Senior Leaders | Free |