young girl struggling while sitting on the beach while in need of teen trauma and ptsd treatment
young girl struggling while sitting on the beach while in need of teen trauma and ptsd treatment
young girl struggling while sitting on the beach while in need of teen trauma and ptsd treatment

TEEN TRAUMA TREATMENT

Mission Prep’s teen trauma treatment offers a thorough assessment upon intake to identify the root of the issue. Our team is trained in trauma-informed care, including our chef and psychologists. We provide evidence-based treatments, such as EMDR and somatic experiences, and incorporate experiential therapies like equine, art, and music therapy to help teens work through their trauma.

TEEN TRAUMA TREATMENT

Mission Prep’s teen trauma treatment offers a thorough assessment upon intake to identify the root of the issue. Our team is trained in trauma-informed care, including our chef and psychologists. We provide evidence-based treatments, such as EMDR and somatic experiences, and incorporate experiential therapies like equine, art, and music therapy to help teens work through their trauma.

young girl struggling while sitting on the beach while in need of teen trauma and ptsd treatment
young girl struggling while sitting on the beach while in need of teen trauma and ptsd treatment
young girl struggling while sitting on the beach while in need of teen trauma and ptsd treatment

TRAUMA AND PTSD

Our approach is strengths-based and resilience-focused, with the goal of helping our clients separate themselves from their traumatic experiences. We want them to understand that their trauma is not their identity and that they have the power to navigate through it.

We also offer trauma-informed yoga and address both single and compounded trauma. We help our clients build skills and tools to cope with their PTSD and move forward in a healthy way. Our custom care plans are tailored to the individual needs of each client to ensure their long-term success in recovering from trauma.

UNDERSTANDING TAUMA AND PTSD IN TEENS

Trauma is defined as a stressful event that can cause significant fear, helplessness, or horror, often leading to a lasting psychological impact. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops when the response to such trauma overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, maintaining heightened threat sensors that disrupt the sense of safety.

PTSD can progress through different stages, and understanding these stages can help individuals better manage their symptoms and seek appropriate treatment. Here are the three main stages of PTSD:

  • Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): This stage occurs immediately after a traumatic event and can last up to one month. Individuals may experience symptoms similar to PTSD, such as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and avoidance behavior.
  • Acute PTSD: If the symptoms of ASD persist for more than one month, it is considered acute PTSD. This stage can last up to three months after the traumatic event.
  • Chronic PTSD: When PTSD symptoms persist for more than three months, it is considered chronic PTSD. This stage can last for years or even a lifetime if left untreated.

Teens can be particularly susceptible to developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to a variety of risk factors. Exposure to traumatic events such as physical or sexual abuse, natural disasters, accidents, or witnessing violence can significantly increase the likelihood of developing PTSD. Additionally, factors such as a lack of social support, a history of mental health issues, or experiencing ongoing stressors like family dysfunction or poverty can compound the risk. Adolescents who have a history of trauma, such as childhood neglect or bullying, may also be more vulnerable to developing PTSD following subsequent traumatic events. Furthermore, individual factors like personality traits, coping mechanisms, and genetic predispositions can influence how a teen responds to trauma and their likelihood of developing PTSD.

In teens, PTSD symptoms can manifest as impulsive or aggressive behaviors, often differing from those observed in adults. These may include re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoiding reminders of the trauma, and experiencing heightened irritability or difficulty sleeping. 

Common trauma and PTSD symptoms in teens include:

  • Re-experiencing the Trauma: Teenagers may relive the traumatic event through nightmares or flashbacks, making them feel as though the event is occurring again.
  • Avoidance: Teens might avoid places, people, or activities that remind them of the trauma, which can include suppressing thoughts related to the event.
  • Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: This can manifest as ongoing fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame. They might feel detached from others and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.
  • Physical Symptoms: Symptoms can include physical pain, which may not necessarily be related to a physical injury from the trauma but rather from the psychological stress.
  • Social Withdrawal: Increased irritability and difficulty trusting others can lead teens to withdraw from their friends and family, impacting their social life and support systems.
  • Academic Challenges: Difficulty concentrating and an increased startle response can interfere with their ability to perform academically.
  • Risky Behaviors: Teens with PTSD may exhibit impulsive or self-destructive behavior, potentially leading to substance abuse or other harmful activities.

The Benefits of Residential Trauma Treatment Programs

Residential treatment centers offer a structured environment where teens can receive intensive care tailored to their specific needs. These facilities provide round-the-clock supervision, ensuring a safe and secure environment for recovery. The multidisciplinary approach at these centers involves various professionals, including therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors, who collaborate to create personalized treatment plans.

Continuous Supervision and Safety

Teens in residential centers benefit from constant supervision, which is vital during vulnerable periods. This supervision ensures safety and immediate response to any crises, contributing significantly to the treatment process.

Tailored Care

The integration of different therapeutic approaches addresses all aspects of a teen's health, providing a holistic treatment solution. These centers employ experts from various fields to ensure that every area of a teen's well-being is considered.

Peer Support and Community

Being around peers facing similar challenges offers significant emotional support, which is crucial for recovery. This community environment helps teens learn social skills and build resilience through shared experiences.

Reduced Exposure to Negative Influences

By removing teens from environments that may encourage harmful behaviors, residential treatment provides a fresh setting conducive to recovery. This change in environment can be pivotal for teens struggling with substance abuse or negative peer influences.

young girl struggling and holding a notebook while in need of teen trauma and ptsd treatment

MORE ABOUT OUR TEEN TRAUMA TREATMENT CENTER

Mission Prep’s licensed professionals who work closely with clients can help them gain a deeper understanding of the underlying factors that contribute to their mental health and other issues.

This can include exploring past traumas, identifying patterns of negative thought and behavior, and learning coping skills for managing stress and triggers. By working collaboratively, professionals can help them identify specific goals for their treatment and develop a plan that is tailored to their unique needs.

At the core of our approach is the commitment to providing clients with sustainable tools for maintaining their recovery long after they leave the program. This means that in addition to providing support during treatment, we prioritize equipping clients with the skills and knowledge they need to continue to grow and thrive long after they have completed our program.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of professionals here at Mission Prep to get you or your loved one the help that they need. Change your lives today.

WE CAN HELP

OUR FACILITIES

Our facilities are an important part of the treatment process at Mission Prep. We believe it’s critical for our clients to have a safe and welcoming environment to build the tools they need to facilitate healing. Our modern and welcoming homes provide stability for adolescents who need a healthy place to develop and practice strategies to help lay the foundation for sustainable healing.

PTSD and Trauma FAQ

PTSD is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional. This typically involves a series of interviews and questionnaires to assess the teenager’s symptoms, their severity, and their impact on daily functioning. The diagnosis is based on criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

While PTSD can be effectively managed and treated, leading to significant symptom reduction and improved quality of life, it may not be entirely “cured.” The goal of treatment is to help teenagers develop coping strategies, reduce symptoms, and improve their overall functioning.

If you’re finding it challenging to cope with symptoms, or if they’re interfering with your relationships, schoolwork, or activities, it’s a good idea to reach out for support. A mental health professional at our teen mental health center can provide assessment, guidance, and appropriate treatment options to help you manage your symptoms and work toward recovery.