Read Our 2023 Annual Outcomes Report

Trauma Treatment for Teens and Young Adults

After surviving trauma, building connections and receiving trauma-informed care are critical for long-lasting healing. That’s why Charlie Health offers trauma-informed therapy in individual and group sessions. Fill out the short form below or call us directly to start healing from trauma today.

Diagnosing trauma-related conditions typically involves a thorough clinical assessment conducted by a mental health professional. This process includes a detailed clinical interview about experiences and symptoms, followed by the application of diagnostic criteria outlined in manuals such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Standardized assessment tools and questionnaires may be used to gauge symptom severity, differentiate between disorders, and assess the impact of the trauma on the individual’s life. The clinician then makes a diagnosis and creates a treatment plan.

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Trauma-informed care from home.

95% of Charlie Health clients are satisfied with their therapist.

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How do DBT skills help people with trauma?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills benefit trauma survivors by helping them manage emotions and distress linked to traumatic experiences. These skills, including mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation, help trauma survivors handle trauma triggers, reduce impulsive behaviors, and boost emotional well-being. DBT’s interpersonal effectiveness skills also assist in forming healthier relationships, crucial for trauma survivors as it fosters a supportive social environment and helps in the healing process. 

Teen girl experiencing trauma looking at her phone

In cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma survivors work with a therapist to change negative thought patterns related to their trauma, which can reduce emotional distress and anxiety. It also focuses on modifying behaviors developed in response to trauma, using exposure techniques to confront and process traumatic memories safely. Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), a specialized approach particularly for young people who have experienced trauma, combines CBT with trauma-sensitive techniques, helping trauma survivors process trauma, change distorted thoughts, and learn coping strategies.

In their words

Client & family testimonials

Young Adult

“I wouldn’t have gotten out of that dark place.”

Charlie Health has changed my view on groups and their benefits to the healing/self discovery journey. I feel that I have learned so much from not only sharing my story but listening to others’ and providing feedback that I needed myself. I am leaving Charlie Health thinking and feeling more clear, balanced, and confident than when I came in and I’m so excited to continue down this path. Thank you Charlie Health and all who were a part of my journey. I wouldn’t have gotten out of that dark place without you!

Charlie Health has changed my view on groups and their benefits to the healing/self discovery journey. I feel that I have learned so much from not only sharing my story but listening to others’ and providing feedback that I needed myself. I am leaving Charlie Health thinking and feeling more clear, balanced, and confident than when I came in and I’m so excited to continue down this path. Thank you Charlie Health and all who were a part of my journey. I wouldn’t have gotten out of that dark place without you!

—Kiana P

Teen

“I cannot say thank you enough to everyone at Charlie Health.”

I was struggling with so many different things, and my family was so hurt by my actions. I had to make a really big change, and Charlie Health was the most helpful resource. I cannot say thank you enough to everyone at Charlie Health

I was struggling with so many different things, and my family was so hurt by my actions. I had to make a really big change, and Charlie Health was the most helpful resource. I cannot say thank you enough to everyone at Charlie Health

—Charlie Health Alum

Young Adult

“Charlie Health gave me a different perspective on my mental health.”

I learned about Charlie Health after going to the emergency room when I was feeling suicidal. The social worker there told me about the program, and it sounded like the best option because I figured something intensive would be good for me. My individual therapist at Charlie Health gave me a different perspective on my mental health and pointed out some coping skills that I already had. I also really liked the group aspect. Having other people around was very helpful. I learned a lot from their contributions.

I learned about Charlie Health after going to the emergency room when I was feeling suicidal. The social worker there told me about the program, and it sounded like the best option because I figured something intensive would be good for me. My individual therapist at Charlie Health gave me a different perspective on my mental health and pointed out some coping skills that I already had. I also really liked the group aspect. Having other people around was very helpful. I learned a lot from their contributions.

—Charlie Health Alum

How does mindfulness-based therapy help treat trauma?

Mindfulness-based therapy, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), can help trauma survivors develop greater awareness of their emotions and bodily sensations. This awareness lets them better control their reactions to triggers. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, keep trauma survivors present and reduce traumatic memories. These therapies also promote self-compassion and non-judgment, which is healing for those dealing with trauma-related guilt or self-blame. 

How does Charlie Health treat trauma?

For teens and young adults who have survived trauma, building connections is critical. That’s why our Clinical Team takes a compassionate approach to teen and young adult trauma treatment. 

Each client receives a personalized treatment plan that includes a specialized individual therapist, facilitated peer groups, and optional family therapy to help foster long-term healing. 

We go beyond trauma-informed therapy. We treat teen and young adult trauma at its roots.

What are the challenges of treating trauma?

  • Individual variation: Trauma can result from a wide range of experiences, such as physical abuse, sexual assault, combat, and natural disasters, and lead to a wide range of symptoms. Each trauma survivor may require a different approach to treatment. 
  • Co-occurring conditions: Many people with trauma also suffer from other mental health conditions, such as substance abuse, which can complicate treatment.
  • Avoidance behaviors: Trauma survivors often engage in avoidance behaviors to cope with their distress. These behaviors can hinder their ability to confront and process the trauma during treatment.
  • Reliving traumatic memories: Exposure therapy, a common treatment for trauma, involves gradually facing and processing traumatic memories. This process can be distressing and may lead to retraumatization if not carefully managed.
  • Limited resources: Access to trauma-informed care can be limited in some regions, and not all individuals have the financial means or insurance coverage to access specialized trauma therapy.
  • Long-term recovery: Trauma recovery is often a long-term process, and maintaining progress can be challenging. People may face setbacks, and the need for ongoing support and treatment can persist for years.

How effective is therapy for treating trauma?

Therapy is an effective way to treat trauma, especially when administered by experienced mental health professionals. Its success depends on factors like the type and severity of the trauma and the therapy approach used. Evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and prolonged exposure therapy, are recommended. 

FAQs on Trauma

What are the main signs of trauma?

  • Re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks and nightmares
  • Feeling disconnected from oneself or outside of one’s body
  • Avoiding triggers, including places or people that are reminders of the trauma
  • Relationship issues, including social withdrawal or isolation
  • Being on high alert and easily startled
  • Mood swings, including anger outbursts
  • Trouble focusing
  • Unexplained aches and pain
  • Sleep disturbances

What are the main types of trauma?

  • Physical trauma: Bodily injuries or harm, often caused by accidents, falls, assaults, or medical procedures.
  • Emotional trauma: The emotional or psychological impact of distressing events or experiences.
  • Sexual trauma: Experiences of sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse, or harassment.
  • Childhood trauma: Traumatic events or adverse experiences happen during a person’s formative years.
  • Complex trauma: Exposure to multiple traumatic events, often over an extended period.
  • Acute trauma: Typically the result of a single, severe traumatic event, such as a car accident, natural disaster, or an act of violence.
  • Chronic trauma: Prolonged exposure to distressing or harmful situations.
  • Community or collective trauma: Trauma affecting entire communities or groups of people often related to large-scale events, such as natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or war.
  • Vicarious trauma: Trauma experienced by people who are indirectly exposed to traumatic events, often through their work, such as healthcare professionals, first responders, or journalists.

What are the four trauma responses?

  • Fight: Fight is a response in which an individual confronts a threat or stressor head-on, seeking to overcome or resist it.
  • Flight: Flight is a response characterized by the instinct to escape or avoid a perceived threat or dangerous situation.
  • Freeze, or flop: Freeze is a response involving immobility and an inability to react when faced with overwhelming stress, often as a result of fear or shock.
  • Fawn: Fawn is a response in which a person seeks to appease or please others, even at their own expense, as a way to avoid conflict or harm in social situations.

What causes trauma?

Trauma can result from a wide range of distressing experiences or events that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope and process the emotional impact. These events often involve a threat to one’s life or safety, physical or emotional abuse, violence, accidents, natural disasters, or the loss of a loved one.  Trauma can also be rooted in adverse childhood experiences, such as neglect, chronic stress, or dysfunctional family environments.  The severity and lasting effects of trauma can vary from person to person, with factors like resilience, support systems, and prior experiences influencing how individuals respond to and recover from traumatic events.

Trauma treatment at Charlie Health

If you or a loved one are struggling with trauma, Charlie Health is here to help. 

Our virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers more than once-weekly therapy for young people with complex mental health needs and their families—including clients with trauma-related disorders.

Charlie Health’s expert clinicians use evidence-based therapies in group sessions, individual therapy, and family therapy to ensure holistic, long-term healing. Managing trauma can be challenging, but remember: you are not alone, help is available. Fill out our short form to get started today.

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