Trauma and PTSD Treatment for Children and Teens

Medically reviewed by [Name], MD, board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist · Last reviewed October 2026

Children can be deeply affected by frightening or painful events, such as an accident, a disaster, the sudden loss of a loved one, violence, abuse or a serious medical experience. Many children recover with support from their families. Some develop lasting symptoms that need professional care.

Ally Psychiatry provides trauma-informed care at your child’s pace. Parents are part of treatment, and children are never pushed to talk before they are ready.

Worried about your child? Call 1-833-269-2559 (1-833-B-MY-ALLY) or request an appointment online. Request an Appointment

Signs of trauma and PTSD in children and teens

Children and teens may show trauma differently than adults. Watch for these signs lasting more than a month after an event:

• Nightmares or trouble sleeping
• Replaying the event in play, drawings or conversation
• Avoiding people, places or reminders of what happened
• Being easily startled, jumpy or always on guard
• Clinginess, new fears or trouble separating from parents
• Going back to younger behaviors, such as bedwetting or baby talk
• Anger, irritability or outbursts
• Trouble concentrating or falling grades
• In teens, risky behavior, withdrawal or substance use

Having some of these does not mean your child has a diagnosis. A psychiatric evaluation is the best way to understand what is going on and what will help.

How we treat trauma and PTSD in children and teens

Children heal best with support from caring adults. Your child’s plan may include:

• Trauma-focused therapy. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), which includes parents, has the strongest evidence for children and teens.
• Parent support. Parents learn how to help their child feel safe, respond to reminders and handle difficult behavior.
• Medication management. Medication can help with related sleep problems, anxiety or depression, alongside therapy.
• Coordination. With your permission, we work with your pediatrician, school and other support services.

After a scary event: how parents can help

Keep routines as normal as possible, reassure your child that they are safe, and let them share feelings without pressure. Limit exposure to news coverage. If symptoms last more than a month or interfere with daily life, reach out for an evaluation. If you believe a child is being harmed, call 911 or your state’s child abuse hotline.

What to expect at your first visit

1. Call or request an appointment. Our team completes a short intake call with you to gather your child’s history and insurance.
2. Bring what you have. Insurance card, current medications, report cards or teacher notes, and any past evaluations.
3. Meet the provider together. The first visit covers your concerns, your child’s development, health, school and home life. Teens also spend time alone with the provider. Plan for about 60 minutes.
4. Leave with a plan. You decide next steps together, which may include therapy, medication, school support or further evaluation.
5. Follow up. Regular visits track progress and adjust the plan as your child grows.

Why families choose Ally Psychiatry

• Appointments in days, not months. Our scheduling team moves new patients in quickly, so your child is not left waiting.
• In person or telehealth. Visit one of our clinics in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama or South Carolina, or meet by secure video.
• Care that includes the family. Parents are part of the plan, and teens get time to speak with their provider privately.
• We work with your child’s team. With your permission, we coordinate with your pediatrician, therapist and school.
• Most insurance accepted.

Frequently asked questions

What can trauma or PTSD look like in a child’s everyday life?

After experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, children may have trouble feeling safe, sleeping, playing, or connecting with others. Some develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Their distress may show through behavior before they can explain it in words.

Do any of these sound familiar?

• “Bedtime has become difficult.” Your child has nightmares, wakes frightened, or avoids sleep because they’re afraid of bad dreams.
• “They become upset by certain reminders.” A sound, smell, place, or situation brings sudden fear, tears, or a strong physical reaction.
• “What happened keeps coming up in their play.” Your child repeatedly acts out parts of the frightening experience with toys, drawings, or games.
• “They don’t want to go near anything connected to it.” Your child avoids places, people, activities, or conversations that remind them of the event.
• “They seem constantly on alert.” They startle easily, watch their surroundings closely, or struggle to relax.
• “They need me close much more than before.” Separation or being alone becomes unusually distressing.
• “Some earlier behaviors have returned.” A younger child starts wetting the bed again or needs help with skills they previously managed.
• “Their emotions feel harder to manage.” You notice more irritability, angry outbursts, or difficulty settling after becoming upset.
• “They’re pulling away or struggling at school.” Your child seems withdrawn, enjoys less play, or has trouble concentrating.
• “They think it was their fault.” Your child blames themselves for what happened or believes they should have prevented it.

Your child doesn’t need to find the perfect words to receive support.

Do these signs mean my child has PTSD?

These changes can have several causes and do not automatically mean PTSD. If they persist, cause distress, or interfere with daily life, an evaluation can help. You can seek support at any point after trauma.

At Ally Psychiatry, we listen with compassion and work with your family to understand your child’s needs and explore appropriate care.

Let’s help your child feel understood and supported.

What is the best treatment for trauma in children?

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) has the strongest research support. It includes parents and teaches coping skills before gently processing what happened.

Will my child have to talk about what happened?

Not right away, and never before they are ready. Treatment starts with safety and coping skills. Talking about the event happens gradually, with support.

How can I support my child at home?

Keep routines steady, offer comfort and reassurance, listen without pushing, and take care of your own stress. Your child’s provider can give you specific strategies for your child’s age.

What ages do you treat?

We see children and teens ages [confirm minimum age] through 17. Young adults 18 and older can continue care with our adult providers, so families do not have to start over somewhere new.

Does my child need a referral?

No referral is needed to schedule. Some insurance plans require one for specialist visits, so check your plan or call 1-833-269-2559 and our team will help you find out.

Do you accept insurance for child psychiatry?

Yes. Ally Psychiatry is in-network with most major health insurance plans. Call 1-833-269-2559 to verify coverage before the first visit.

Do parents attend the appointment?

Yes. A parent or legal guardian attends the first visit and must consent to treatment for children under 18. Teens usually also spend part of each visit alone with the provider.

Can my child be seen by telehealth?

Yes. Many follow-up visits can be done by secure video from home in Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee. Some visits must be in person, including initial appointments, annual visits, follow-ups after a hospital stay, and specialized treatments.

Related conditions we treat in children and teens

• Anxiety
• Depression
• OCD

Take the first step. Call 1-833-269-2559 (1-833-B-MY-ALLY) to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment. Most new patients are seen within a day. Request an Appointment

In crisis? If your child is thinking about harming themselves or is in immediate danger, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. Ally Psychiatry is not an emergency service.

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