Trauma Program
for Teens
A Pathway to Healing:
Trauma Program for Teens
At our core, we believe that every teen deserves the chance to heal from trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and build a future filled with hope. Our comprehensive Trauma Program is designed specifically for adolescents with a suspected, confirmed, recent, or remote history of trauma, and it extends support to their families as well. We understand that trauma's impact can be profound, affecting every aspect of a teen's life, from their emotional well-being to their academic performance and relationships. That is why we have created a safe, structured, and compassionate environment where teens can focus on their journey toward recovery.
We go beyond a one-size-fits-all solution. Our approach is holistic and highly individualized, recognizing that each teen's experience with trauma is unique. Our team of psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, and educational specialist, work together to create a customized treatment plan that addresses the root causes of their challenges, not just the symptoms.
How common are Trauma and PTSD in Adolescents and Teens?
Sadly, many young teens experience traumatic events during childhood. These can include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as neglect, bullying, or witnessing violence. For many, at least one such experience occurs before they reach adulthood.
According to the National Survey of Children's Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV), nearly 60% of children and adolescents experience a traumatic event. Sadly, nearly 10% of adolescents (12-17) experience a sexual assault. Even more concerning is these numbers are widely considered to be an underestimate of the true prevalence.
The Trauma Program at THP
Help your teen and family heal with our trauma-focused program. Our supportive team of professionals facilitate recovery and foster resilience among adolescents and their families.
Key Program Components
Evidence-Based Therapies: We utilize proven modalities that are foundational to trauma treatment.
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): This therapy teaches teens to identify and reframe the negative thought patterns that contribute to their emotional distress, helping them develop healthier coping mechanisms.
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Teens acquire essential skills to manage overwhelming emotions, build healthier relationships, and tolerate distress in a constructive way.
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This powerful therapy helps teens access, process, and overcome the emotional and psychological pain caused by traumatic events, transforming their past into a source of resilience.
A Holistic Approach to Well-Being: We know that healing extends beyond traditional therapy sessions. Our program embraces clients as complete individuals, addressing their physical, academic, social health, environment, and emotional needs.
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Experiential and Expressive Therapies: From art therapy and narrative therapy to music and mindfulness practices, these creative outlets allow teens to express emotions and process experiences in a way that words sometimes cannot.
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Skill Building and Life-Skills Integration: We help teens move forward by building the skills they need for a successful future. This includes academic support and life-skills training that prepares them for a confident, independent life.
Family-Focused Healing: We believe that the family is an essential part of the recovery journey. Our approach includes involving the family system through education, support, and active participation in the healing journey.
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Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT): This is a core element of our program, as we work to restore trust and connection within the family system. We involve family members in the therapeutic process, helping them gain insight and learn effective ways to support their teen's healing.
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Family Sessions and Education: Our program empowers parents and siblings with the knowledge and tools they need to foster a supportive and nurturing home environment, ensuring that the healing continues long after the program ends.
What are the Signs of Teenage Trauma?
How Do I Know if My Teen Needs Trauma Treatment?
Signs of trauma in teens vary and no two teenagers are alike. Here is a common list of distressing symptoms that teens can exhibit when they have gone through one or more traumatic experiences. If you notices any of these signs of trauma in your teen, please reach out to us so we can discuss your options and provide support along your healing journey.
Trauma Symptoms & Signs Include:
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Reckless behavior
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Irritability and inappropriate anger
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Anxiety attacks and panic attacks
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Emotional numbness and lack of joy
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Using drugs or alcohol to numb pain
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Confusing or illogical behavior
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Depression
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Avoidance of friends and activities the teen previously enjoyed
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Decline in academic performance
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Social isolation and withdrawal
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Sexually inappropriate behaviors
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Thoughts of suicide
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Self-injury
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Sleep disturbances (including nightmares)
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Changes in appetite
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Easily startled or jumpy
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Talking about suicide or attempted suicide
*If you see any of these symptoms in your child, schedule a consultation.
Benefits of an Outpatient Trauma Program
1. Trauma Recovery: At The Trauma Program @ THP, trauma recovery involves addressing the emotional, psychological, and physical impacts of trauma. Through trauma recovery, our program helps clients and their families heal and grow with the guidance of experienced professionals.
2. Post-Traumatic Growth: THP focuses on fostering post-traumatic growth by helping teens transform their trauma into resilience and empowerment. Through tailored therapeutic approaches, teens are encouraged to build on their strengths and develop new coping skills.
3. Trauma-Informed Care: We provide trauma-informed care that prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment. This approach ensures that all interactions and therapies are sensitive to the needs of trauma survivors, creating a nurturing environment that supports healing and resilience.
4. Crisis Stabilization and Management: Our crisis and stabilization program offers immediate support to stabilize adolescents experiencing acute distress related to PTSD and trauma, followed by a thorough assessment to understand their unique needs and develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses their specific challenges
5. Whole Family Healing: Our program emphasizes whole-family healing by actively involving family members in the therapeutic process. Through family therapy sessions, parents and siblings gain insights into the adolescent's experiences and learn effective ways to support their trauma and PTSD treatment and recovery.
Meet our Trauma Team
Located conveniently in Bethesda, Maryland, our services are in-network with all Blue Cross Blue Shield (i.e. Carefirst, FEP, Anthem, etc) products, and we routinely negotiate single case agreements with most other major insurance carriers (Aetna, Optum, Cigna, Kaiser).
Have Questions or Ready to Get Started?
The fastest way to connect with our team is to schedule a call using our online system here or click the "Request Services" button below. Alternatively, you can call us at 301-970-4099 to speak with a member of our admin team.