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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.