Children and teenagers are in critical periods of growth, both physically and mentally. As such, the things they experience during these years can have a profound and lasting impact on their emotional and psychological well-being—for better or for worse.
Unfortunately, for the majority of young people out there, traumatic experiences are not an uncommon part of growing up. Research shows that 62 percent of teenagers have already experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime, and close to 20 percent have gone through multiple episodes (3+) of trauma. Traumatic events might involve abuse and assault, natural disaster, serious injury, the death of a loved one, bullying, discrimination, financial instability, domestic violence—trauma has no boundaries. Everyone experiences and responds to these events differently.
With that said, not every child who experiences trauma will go on to develop mental health issues, but many do. It’s estimated that up to 15% of children and teens with trauma exposures will go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Their likelihood can depend on what type of traumatic event occurred, how severe the trauma is, and even how the parents react(ed) to the trauma at the time. Further, the more traumas a person experiences, the more likely they are to develop PTSD.
The good news is that trauma-related disorders like PTSD are very treatable in children and teenagers, especially when caught early. Because the young brain is still developing, intervention through therapy can be very effective over time. If you’re exploring PTSD treatment centers for your child or teen, you are in the right place.
Turnbridge is a preeminent mental health treatment center, specializing in the unique experiences of adolescents and young adults. Below, we answer common questions related to PTSD in children and teens, to help parents feel more informed when making decisions around treatment.
What is the most effective approach to PTSD treatment for adolescents and children?
As with any mental health disorder, there is one-size-fits-all approach to treating PTSD. For children and adolescents, though, there are some commonalities that you can look for in a treatment program. At a high level, the most effective PTSD treatment plans are personalized, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate, taking into account the child’s age, gender, symptoms, trauma history, family environment, and any co-occurring conditions.
A trauma-informed treatment approach is especially important. This means that treatment providers understand how trauma impacts the adolescent brain, as well as their behavior, emotions, and relationships, and prioritize creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for healing. Many children and adolescents with PTSD struggle with trust, emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, or behavioral challenges, which is why compassionate, individualized care is so essential. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Trauma focused psychotherapies have the most empirical support for children and adolescents [with PTSD].”
PTSD treatment for youth should also be rooted in behavioral therapy. These therapies help children process traumatic experiences, develop healthy coping skills, and learn how to regulate emotions. Behavioral therapies can also help reduce flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, and mood changes that are commonly associated with PTSD.
Family involvement in PTSD treatment is also encouraged for young people, as caregivers play an important role in helping children feel safe, supported, and understood throughout recovery.
Examples of evidence-based treatment models for PTSD in youth
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Among the most recommended types of treatment for PTSD in young people, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps teens and children recognize negative thought patterns, adopt healthy coping strategies, and regulate their emotions and responses to stress.
Trauma-focused CBT is a specific type of treatment that you may also come across for child and adolescent PTSD, which utilizes traditional CBT principles but focuses on helping these children understand their experience, as well as the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors stemming from it. In TF-CBT, caregivers can also be an active part of the treatment process, helping provide a stronger familial environment and stable foundation for healing.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is another common type of behavioral therapy used for adolescents and children who are experiencing severe emotional dysregulation, self-harm, impulsivity, or co-occurring mental health conditions alongside PTSD. This type of therapy focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships to help teens find balance again.
- Play Therapy
Often recommended for younger children, particularly those who struggle to verbalize traumatic experiences, play therapy can provide a safe and developmentally appropriate outlet for emotional expression and healing. Play therapy is coordinated by a licensed treatment professional.
- Family Therapy
Family therapy is highly recommended in adolescent and child treatment settings, as it can really help bolster a young person’s support system. When parents and siblings are involved, teens and children feel more supported and stabilized in treatment settings. Family therapy often lends way to more communication, openness, trust, and education for all throughout the treatment process.
- Experiential and Holistic Therapies
The best PTSD treatment centers for teens and children will incorporate experiential therapies into the process. For example, art therapy, music therapy, equine therapy, mindfulness practices, and fun, engaging, recreational activities can help youth process emotions and build resilience in nonverbal ways.
What are the different types of PTSD treatment centers and programs?
PTSD treatment for children and adolescents can take place in several different environments and at different levels of care, depending on the severity of a person’s symptoms and their clinical needs. Common types of adolescent mental health treatment centers you’ll come across include:
- Outpatient treatment programs, where children and teens attend scheduled therapy sessions regularly, but live at home. Best for those with mild to moderate PTSD symptoms.
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), which offer more structured support than traditional outpatient care, while still allowing clients to live at home and attend school while receiving care.
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), which may be suggested for adolescents struggling with severe PTSD symptoms and who require more regular monitoring.
- Residential treatment centers, which provide round-the-clock therapeutic support in a live-in facility. These centers are recommended for those with more severe trauma symptoms, co-occurring disorders, or who are facing safety concerns in their home environment.
How can you tell if your child or teen needs professional treatment for PTSD?
If your child or teenager has experienced a traumatic event—and especially if there have been multiple experiences—he or she may need professional support. One tell-tale sign of a person needing PTSD treatment is when their symptoms begin to interfere with daily life, functioning, and relationships. If their symptoms have affected their school performance, for example, or their willingness to participate in social events, it’s likely that a deeper-seated issue has developed.
Additionally, if PTSD symptoms have lasted for more than a few weeks after the traumatic event, it’s important to seek help. Longer-lived symptoms can indicate a mental health disorder.
What does PTSD look like in teens and children, exactly? In addition to common PTSD symptoms like trouble sleeping, sudden mood changes, increased anxiety, and feelings of guilt, here are some primary signs to look for in this demographic:
PTSD in Children:
In school-aged children, PTSD looks very different than it does in adults. Children do not typically experience the visual flashbacks or even memory loss associated with the trauma. Rather, they may:
- Time-skew, or mis-sequence the events of the trauma.
- Experience “omen formation,” which means believing there were warning signs of the trauma and that they can use those to predict and avoid future trauma
- Engage in play to re-enact the trauma, through drawings, role play, or verbalization (e.g. engaging in shooting games after witnessing a school shooting)
PTSD in Teenagers:
PTSD in teens is similar to how it presents in adults: A teen will typically re-experience the traumatic event(s) through flashbacks and nightmares. They may avoid certain places, people, activities, or even conversations that are connected to the trauma, as well as express signs of constant fear and anxiety.
Further, many teens will withdraw from family and friends, have trouble concentrating at school, and display severe mood swings. Teenagers with PTSD are very likely to exhibit risky, impulsive, and aggressive behaviors.
But here’s another differentiator: Like children, teenagers will often re-enact the trauma. Rather than through play, however, they will incorporate aspects of the trauma into their daily lives: Recreating dangerous situations, entering unhealthy relationships, getting into fights, bullying others, or simply replaying the trauma in conversations and social media posts.
Get the Support Your Child Deserves
If your child or teenager is showing signs of PTSD, do not hesitate to seek help. As we mentioned, PTSD is very treatable in youth and can be managed over time. However, leaving PTSD untreated can lead to other long-term issues, including substance abuse, self-harm, and co-occurring mental health conditions.
If you’re unsure where to turn, know that Turnbridge is here for you. Our residential and outpatient mental health programs are designed to address the unique experiences and needs of youth. We take a trauma-informed approach to all that we do, and holistic, gender-specific, customized treatment plans are developed for each person that enters our program. Contact us at 877-581-1793 to learn more.