It is very exciting and gratifying that so many mental health professionals, educators, pediatricians, parents, systems, and facilities are utilizing the Collaborative Problem Solving approach, and, of course, heartening that so many challenging kids are benefiting from the approach. Because inaccurate dissemination and implementation compromises the effectiveness of the CPS model and is a disservice to the children and adult caretakers it was created to help, it is important that the model not be altered, watered down, inaccurately or incompletely taught, or otherwise compromised. Thus, those who are presenting, training others in the use of, or practicing the model should be aware of copyright and trademark considerations.

The marks “Collaborative Problem Solving” and “Collaborative Problem Solving approach” are registered to Dr. Greene. The CPS approach was first delineated in Dr. Greene’s book, The Explosive Child. Please make the appropriate attribution to this book so that people are clear about the origin of the model, and, without implying or suggesting affiliation, be sure to include the website for Lives in the Balance (www.livesinthebalance.org) so that people are aware of how to access model updates and other resources.

If you intend to include information about the Collaborative Problem Solving approach in a general course or presentation, please make explicit the facts that you are not a certified trainer, that you are presenting an overview of the model, and that while you are presenting your best understanding of the model the accuracy of the information you are presenting should not be assumed. Please also make explicit the fact that you hold no affiliation with Dr. Greene. If you wish to conduct a course or develop a treatment or training program with Collaborative Problem Solving as the primary focus, please contact Dr. Greene (through the Contact page on this website).

Many mental health clinicians are using the CPS model in their clinical practices. However, it is not possible to attest to any clinicians' proficiency in practicing CPS, nor to any individuals’ proficiency in training systems or facilities in implementing the Collaborative Problem Solving approach. Thus, clinicians who have attended an advanced training should feel free to indicate that they have received training in the CPS approach but should not indicate that they have been certified in any way. If your system or facility is implementing the Collaborative Problem Solving approach, please indicate that the CPS model has influenced the treatment or services that are being provided but that no certification has been rendered.

Referencing the Collaborative Problem Solving approach in books, scientific papers, articles, handouts, and other materials is encouraged and appreciated. But the model is not easy to summarize, so Dr. Greene would be pleased to review any materials you may be considering publishing in which the model is referenced or described so as to ensure a high degree of accuracy. Studying the effectiveness of the CPS model in research is also encouraged; please contact Dr. Greene to discuss how the model can be delivered and studied with a high degree of integrity.