Adolescents who have survived a traumatic event can develop depression, anxiety, PTSD, or a substance use disorder. These are natural responses to the trauma they have experienced. However, untreated mental health issues can affect a person’s ability to function in everyday life. It is important that adolescents who have survived traumatic events are provided with treatment and support to help cope with their experiences.
Trauma treatment for teens does more than just address symptoms. The best teen trauma treatment programs help teens recover from trauma and teach them how to cope with reoccurring stress. If you know a teen who could benefit from trauma treatment, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275. We are here to help them heal.
What Is Teen Trauma?
Adolescents face all kinds of traumas, some of which are obvious and some of which can go undetected for years. Trauma changes the way a person’s brain functions. These brain changes can last forever and shape how a teen reacts to stress for the rest of their life.
Examples of trauma a teen might endure include:
- The loss of a parent or other loved one
- Neglect
- Physical or emotional abuse
- School violence
- A natural disaster
- Sexual abuse or assault
- Witnessing or being a victim of domestic violence
People of all ages react to distressing events in different ways. Genetics, environmental factors, and the support a teen receives can all affect the way they cope. Assuming that a child is doing fine because they appear to be functioning normally after a traumatic experience can be a mistake.
Treating Trauma in Teens
Effective trauma treatment for teenagers begins by creating an environment where they feel safe, comfortable, and respected. Whether their trauma has resulted in the development of a substance or process addiction, disordered eating, or other unhealthy behavioral issues, the first step is to take a full assessment of the teen’s mental and physical health.
Only after a medical evaluation can the teen’s medical team create an individualized treatment to address their unique needs. Teens who have survived trauma may have many things in common, but they are still individuals with different strengths, challenges, and coping methods.
The best treatment for trauma in teenagers incorporates a variety of therapies, such as:
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Equine-assisted therapy
- Experiential therapy
Treating trauma in teens should also include academic support. Continuing education during treatment provides a sense of normalcy and ensures the child won’t fall behind in academics while recovering.
What Is the Best Teen Trauma Treatment?
The best overall treatment plan considers all of a child’s emotional, social, physical, and academic needs. Holistic healing methods incorporate evidence-based therapies and cutting-edge medications, but they also incorporate lifestyle changes that will help teens manage their long-term wellness.
Building confidence and self-esteem and teaching kids how to cope with stress in healthy, positive ways are critical elements of an effective trauma treatment strategy.
Trauma-informed care is a therapeutic approach that focuses first on not re-traumatizing clients. Every precaution is taken to create a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere where teens know they are safe to be themselves.
Find the Best Treatment for Your Teen at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
Trauma treatment is a specialized service that not every therapist or treatment center has the experience or accreditation to offer. Foothills at Red Oak Recovery offers the best teen trauma treatment for teens struggling with addiction disorders, eating disorders, and co-occurring issues.
If you suspect a teen boy in your life has experienced trauma, we can help. Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275 for more information about our trauma treatment program. We are here to provide the best trauma treatment possible.
