Adolescence is a critical period of growth and development, and for teens who have experienced trauma, this stage can be even more challenging. Trauma can affect all aspects of a young person’s life, from their emotional well-being to their relationships with others. Mental health treatment can help them process their trauma and learn to manage their symptoms, but it’s important to seek out trauma-informed care. This approach takes each teen’s personal experiences into consideration so that they can feel safe and supported while they work on their mental health.

Family First offers trauma therapy programming for teens in our residential and partial hospitalization programs in South Florida. With more than 120 years of combined clinical experience and training in leading-edge childhood trauma treatment methods, our team can help your child explore their mental health so they can build a healthy foundation for the future. Call 888.904.5947 to get started.

The Principles of Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed care is based on a set of core principles designed to support people who have experienced trauma. They help create an atmosphere of safety, trust, and empowerment, ensuring that the young person feels seen, heard, and respected. The key principles include:

• Safety – Ensuring both physical and emotional safety for the individual
• Trustworthiness and transparency – Being honest and open in communication, establishing trust between the treatment team, family, and teen
• Peer support – Encouraging connection and support among peers who have similar experiences
• Collaboration – Building relationships based on partnership and shared decision-making, which breaks down the traditional power dynamic held by the treatment team
• Empowerment – Giving adolescents a voice in their treatment, helping them regain a sense of control and confidence that they can heal
• Humility and responsiveness – Recognizing and respecting the cultural background and experiences—including any biases or stereotypes that could be interpreted—of each adolescent

These principles create a foundation that allows adolescents to feel safe and supported while they work through their experiences and emotions.

Why It Makes a Difference

Trauma can significantly impact a young person’s mental health, often leading to anxiety, depression, or difficulties in school and relationships. Many teens report that stress from school is a major contributor to their overall well-being, which can be exacerbated for those who have experienced trauma.

Additionally, many young people who experience trauma do so as a result of a power dynamic. Relational trauma, which can stem from physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect, occurs when someone with more influence (like an adult relative or caretaker) or control abuses someone with less (like a child). When a child experiences relational trauma of any kind, they can be less likely to trust authority figures, including adults on a treatment team.

By using a trauma-informed approach, therapists and mental health professionals create an environment that respects and validates the adolescent’s experiences. This approach not only reduces the risk of re-traumatization but also empowers young people to understand and manage their emotions in a healthier way. Trauma-informed care can help teens process their trauma and find ways to navigate their futures with confidence.

How We Use Trauma-Informed Care at Family First

At Family First, we believe that trauma-informed care is essential to providing effective support for adolescents. Our team is committed to understanding the experiences of each teen and recognizing the impact that trauma can have on their mental health. We use trauma-informed principles to create a safe and nurturing environment, helping teens feel comfortable sharing their stories and working through their emotions.

Our approach includes:

• Personalized treatment plans – We tailor each client’s treatment plan to their specific needs, ensuring that their voice is heard and respected throughout the process.
• Family involvement – We recognize the importance of family support in a teen’s healing journey. By including families in the treatment process, we help create a supportive environment both at home and in therapy.
• Skill-building – Our programs focus on teaching coping skills, emotional regulation, and mindfulness techniques that help teens manage stress and build resilience.

With a focus on trauma-informed care, our goal is to help each adolescent heal, grow, and develop the skills they need to thrive.

Reach Out to Help Your Teen

If your teen is struggling with the effects of trauma or experiencing anxiety, depression, or other challenges, Family First is here to help. We believe teens deserve a safe place where they can express and explore themselves during treatment. Our team is here to guide them—without judgment or stigma—on the path to a better future. Get help for your teen by calling us at 888.904.5947 or contacting us online today.