Sadly, many children and teenagers experience trauma. This can be quite confusing and upsetting for the child and the parents alike. Ideally, the parents should seek treatment for their child's trauma. But finding help for this issue can be a difficult task. The following are some things you need to know about trauma treatment for teens:

What Type of Provider Can Provide Therapy for Trauma in Children and Teens?

The first place to seek help is with your child's pediatrician. They will assess your child's overall health and then refer you to a specialist. There are different providers who can provide treatment for trauma. Psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, and counselors are the most common providers for psychological disorders in children and teens.

What Type of Therapies Are Best for Child and Teen Trauma?

There are several behavioral and cognitive therapies available to help children and teens deal with trauma. One method is to teach them how to deal with stressors. Relaxation skills can also be beneficial in helping them deal with any physical sensations they have regarding their trauma. Exposure strategy therapy is a way to get the patient to talk about the trauma in a slow manner to avoid any additional stress. Helping the child or teen create a narrative about what happened can be hard for them but can help them deal with their feelings of pain. There are also methods that help children overcome any wrong or unhealthy views they have due to the trauma. Many children and teens blame themselves when coping with their trauma, so this therapy method helps them deal with those feelings in a healthy way.

What About Medication for Trauma Treatment?

In addition to a psychological response to trauma, many children and teens have a biological response to trauma as well. For that reason, some providers will prescribe medication to help the patient deal with their trauma. The medication is designed to help control symptoms the patient may be experiencing. This can include the inability to sleep, anxiety, and nightmares. Before you opt to use medication to treat your child's trauma, be sure to do your research. Not all medication is treated equally and not all children will respond in the same way. There is no single medication that will cure traumatic stress, but medication can be a tool in an overall treatment plan.

For more information about trauma treatment, contact a local organization.