Teen trauma is a growing concern in today’s society, and finding the right treatment for adolescents dealing with trauma is crucial for their well-being. In New Jersey, there are various options available to address the unique needs of teens who have experienced trauma.
Portum Behavioral Health is a Partial Hospitalization Program for teens that can help treat adolescent trauma and dual diagnosis.
Understanding Teen Trauma
Understanding the different types of trauma teens can experience is essential. Trauma can be caused by a variety of different events, including physical abuse, emotional neglect, bullying, accidents, and more. Identifying the specific type of trauma your teen has experienced will help in selecting the most appropriate treatment.
- Physical Abuse: Teens may experience trauma due to physical abuse, which can include physical harm, assault, or violence from a caregiver, family member, peer, or intimate partner.
- Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse involves the constant belittling, humiliation, or manipulation of a teenager. This form of trauma can have long-lasting psychological effects.
- Sexual Abuse: Teenagers who have experienced unwanted sexual advances, assault, or exploitation may suffer from sexual trauma. It can lead to a range of emotional and psychological issues.
- Neglect: Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide adequate care, attention, or supervision to a teenager’s basic needs. This can include physical neglect (e.g., lack of food or shelter) or emotional neglect (e.g., lack of emotional support and guidance).
- Bullying: Persistent bullying, whether in person or online, can cause significant emotional distress and trauma for teenagers. Cyberbullying, in particular, has become a prevalent concern.
- Accidents and Injuries: Trauma can also result from serious accidents, injuries, or life-threatening events, such as car accidents, falls, or natural disasters.
- Loss or Bereavement: The death of a loved one, whether it’s a family member, friend, or pet, can be traumatic for teens, leading to grief and emotional turmoil.
- Community Violence: Exposure to community violence, such as witnessing shootings or experiencing neighborhood violence, can cause significant trauma in adolescents.
- Natural Disasters: Living through natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods can be profoundly traumatic, as it involves fear for one’s safety and the loss of homes and possessions.
- Military Deployment: Teens with parents in the military may experience trauma related to the deployment of a family member, which can involve separation, the fear of losing a loved one, and adjustment issues.
- Medical Trauma: Serious illnesses, medical procedures, or hospitalizations can also lead to trauma in teenagers, especially if they involve significant pain, fear, or life-altering consequences.
- Witnessing Domestic Violence: Teens who witness domestic violence between parents or caregivers can experience trauma, as it can be emotionally distressing and may lead to feelings of helplessness.
- Cultural or Discrimination Trauma: Adolescents who experience discrimination, racism, or prejudice based on their ethnicity, race, religion, or gender can suffer from cultural or discrimination trauma.
Seek Professional Guidance
The first step in finding teen trauma treatment in New Jersey is to consult with a mental health professional or therapist who specializes in adolescent trauma. They can conduct a thorough assessment of your teen’s needs and recommend the most suitable treatment options.
Different treatment centers may use various therapeutic approaches for teen trauma treatment. Some common approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). It’s important to understand the methods used by each facility and choose one that aligns with your teen’s needs and preferences.
Connect with Support Groups
Join local or online support groups for parents of traumatized teens. Sharing experiences and resources with others who have been through similar situations can provide valuable insights and emotional support.
Portum Behavioral Health Can Help With Teen Trauma Treatment
Finding the right teen trauma treatment in New Jersey may require some research and consultation, but it is a critical step towards helping your adolescent heal from their traumatic experiences. Portum Behavioral Health offers behavioral health treatment for teens. Contact us today to learn more about our outpatient rehab in New Jersey
