Help for Children Suffering from Trauma
About one in four children will experience a traumatic event before the age of 16. Some children may develop psychiatric conditions, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and a variety of behavioral disorders.
Examples of Traumatic Experiences
Acute traumatic events (singular or frequent):
- Sudden or violent loss of a loved one
- Physical or sexual assault (being beaten, shot, raped)
- School shooting
- Gang-related violence in the community
- Natural disasters
Complex traumatic events (chronic, repeated exposure):
- Some forms of physical abuse
- Longstanding sexual abuse
- Domestic violence
- Multiple residential and familial transitions
It’s important that children suffering from trauma receive treatment
Left untreated, traumatic experiences can result in a significant disruption of childhood or adolescent development and have profound long-term consequences:
- Repeated exposure can affect a child’s brain and nervous system (brains still developing in children can slow or alter development)
- Increased risk of low academic performance
- Increased risk for engagement in high-risk behaviors
- Difficulties in peer and family relationships
- As adults, trouble holding steady jobs, increased involvement with the legal system, substance abuse
Alta’s Trauma Recovery Unit
Alta Behavioral Healthcare’s Trauma Recovery Services uses a trauma treatment approach known as Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a proven best practice for effective treatment of trauma in children.
Our staff of certified clinical counselors has trauma treatment expertise through the full range of ages of 2 years old through young adulthood. To schedule an assessment for a child who may benefit from treatment, call (330) 793-2487 and ask for the Intake Department.