MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
TRAUMA-FOCUSED MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY
“Early intervention and therapy through a children’s advocacy center can reduce the risk of long-term psychological impacts, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, helping children heal and build healthier futures.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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FIRST APPOINTMENT (1.5 HOURS):
Please bring:
Your child's insurance/Medicaid card
Completed intake paperwork.
Custody documents (if necessary)
During this assessment, the clinician will get to know you and your child and discuss your family history, your child's and family’s strengths, your child’s development, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and address any concerns you have.
SECOND APPOINTMENT (1.5 HOURS):
During this assessment, a trauma-informed assessment will be conducted, involving questions for both you and your child, along with several questionnaires.
THIRD APPOINTMENT (1 HOUR):
The clinician will review the assessment results, provide recommendations, and offer information on trauma and therapy if it's recommended. Together, we'll discuss next steps, including developing a therapy schedule tailored to your child’s needs. Each session will align with their developmental level, incorporating activities and games to create a positive and engaging therapeutic experience.
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The Southmountain Center of Excellence in Evidence-Based Treatment is a team of highly trained clinicians specializing in evidence-based treatments for children and families who have experienced trauma.
We provide services through our 10 Children’s Advocacy Centers across North Carolina, including the one you may be visiting.Our clinicians receive training from the NC Child Treatment Program or the Medical University of South Carolina and undergo ongoing supervision to ensure the highest quality of care. Our focus is on the emotional and behavioral well-being of clients who have experienced trauma and work closely with the staff at each advocacy center to support their healing.
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We provide a variety of therapy options tailored to each child's unique needs. Scroll down to explore detailed descriptions of each approach.
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Yes, therapy sessions are confidential. However, therapists are mandated reporters, meaning if the child discloses new abuse, it must be reported to the appropriate authorities.
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Progress in therapy may be seen in the child’s behavior, emotional regulation, and ability to cope with difficult experiences. The therapist will communicate with you about your child’s progress and any changes.
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The first session is often focused on building trust and helping the child feel comfortable. The therapist may also ask questions to understand the child’s experiences and current emotional state.
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Therapy provides a safe space for children to express their feelings, process trauma, and develop healthy coping skills. It helps children understand their emotions and build resilience for the future.
SEEKING TRAUMA-FOCUSED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES?
If you are a parent or guardian seeking our mental health services for your child, please get in touch with our family advocate at (910) 852-9660.
Trauma is a deeply distressing experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope, often involving intense feelings of fear, grief, or helplessness. It can result from a single event, such as abuse, loss, or an accident, or from ongoing stressors like neglect or violence. Trauma can leave lasting emotional, mental, and physical effects, especially in children, affecting their ability to process emotions, such as grief, and altering how they relate to the world around them.
WHAT IS A TRAUMA-FOCUSED, EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENT MODALITY?
These are specialized approaches designed to address the effects of trauma on individuals (particularly children and adolescents).
These treatments have been rigorously researched and proven effective in reducing symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. By incorporating techniques that focus on processing traumatic experiences, enhancing coping skills, and rebuilding a sense of safety, these modalities help individuals heal and regain control over their lives, leading to improved mental health outcomes.
TRAUMA-FOCUSED TREATMENT MODALITIES AVAILABLE:
At our center, we offer a variety of trauma-focused treatment modalities to support healing and recovery. These approaches are designed to address the unique needs of individuals affected by trauma, ensuring they receive the care and support necessary for their journey toward wellness.
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a trauma-focused intervention for youth (ages 3-18) and their non-offending caregiver.
Appropriate for youth who are experiencing symptoms directly related to a traumatic event(s).
Average length of treatment: 8-25 weekly, 60-90-minute sessions.
Targets: post-traumatic stress, depressive, and behavioral symptoms.
Maximum benefits when the primary caregiver is actively involved in treatment.
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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based treatment for people 14 and older with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CPT helps people recognize how trauma has changed their view about themselves, others, and the world, and helps them develop new, more balanced perspectives.
CPT helps improve symptoms of PTSD and depression.
Caregivers who receive CPT can experience reduced parenting stress, and their children can show improvements in behavior.
Average length of treatment: 8 – 14 sessions, but can vary from person to person.
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Problematic Sexual Behavior-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT with PSB-CBT) for children and youth ages 3-12 addressing trauma-related PSB within TF-CBT treatment for children 12 and under. Focus areas include behavioral parent training skills (e.g., supervision, guidance, safety, and managing PSB, sex education, empathy and acknowledgement).
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Problematic Sexual Behavior-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-School Age (PSB-CBT-School Age for children ages 7-12) and Problematic Sexual Behavior-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Adolescent (PSB-CBT-Adolescent for youth ages 13-18) are evidence-based treatment models for children and youth ages 7-18 who have engaged in problematic sexual behavior (PSB). The Family Model of treatment consists of 16-25 sessions, depending on the age of the child. PSB-CBT effectively addresses a wide range of problematic and illegal behaviors, including:
Failure to recognize socially acceptable physical boundaries
Excessive masturbation
Preoccupation with pornography and other sexualized content
Generation and/or dissemination of sexualized images of self or others
Coercive and/or aggressive sexual acts
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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a specialized behavior management program for children ages 2 to 6 and their families.
Appropriate for children who demonstrate excessive or developmentally inappropriate behavioral and/or emotional difficulties, including behaviors that are often associated with trauma.
Average length of treatment: 12-20 weekly hour-long sessions.
Through live coaching, parents/caregivers work together to implement skills designed to help
children reach their full potential.
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment for children and adults that is designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories.
This treatment model is available in McDowell County, and we are looking forward to expanding this service to other counties.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented form of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. By focusing on the link between thoughts, emotions, and actions, CBT teaches practical skills for managing challenges, reducing distress, and promoting healthier, more adaptive responses to life’s difficulties.
It’s commonly used for treating issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms.