Trauma and PTSD treatment for kids, teens, and young adults
After a scary or painful experience, the world can stop feeling safe. Our licensed clinicians use proven, trauma-focused therapy to help kids, teens, and young adults heal, and help you support them at home.
Clinically reviewed by Amy Kranzler, PhD
- Licensed, specialized therapistsTrained in evidence-based care for kids, teens, and young adults
- Fully virtualVisits that fit around your schedule
- Evidence-based skillsStrategies for the moments that matter
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What are trauma and PTSD?
A traumatic experience is a frightening event that threatens a person’s life, safety, or physical well-being, or that of someone they love. It may happen to them directly, or they may witness it or learn it happened to someone close. Examples include a serious accident, violence, abuse, a natural disaster, or the sudden loss of a loved one.
Many people are shaken for a while and then recover with support. When reactions last more than a month and get in the way of daily life, it may be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is treatable, and kids, teens, and young adults are resilient, especially with caring support and the right therapy.
A common stress reaction or PTSD?
A common stress reaction
- Upset, jumpy, or clingy in the days and weeks after
- Gradually eases
- Can still sleep, play, and go to school or work most days
- Can be comforted, or talk about it when ready
Possible PTSD
- Lasts more than a month
- Memories, nightmares, or reminders keep bringing it back
- Avoiding anything connected to what happened
- Gets in the way of school or work, sleep, friendships, or family life
Signs to watch for
Some reaction after a scary event is expected. These signs are concerning when they last more than a month, get worse, or start to impact daily life.
Reliving it
- Upsetting memories that pop up out of nowhere
- Nightmares
- Strong distress at reminders
- Feeling or acting as if it’s happening again
Avoiding and shutting down
- Avoiding places, people, or talk connected to it
- Seeming numb or far away
- Losing interest in things they enjoyed
- Believing the world isn’t safe
On edge
- Jumpy or easily startled
- Always watching for danger
- Irritability or angry outbursts
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
How it can show up at different ages
Kids
Young kids may replay what happened in play or drawings, and lose skills they’d already mastered.
- Repeating the event in play
- New fears, like the dark or being alone
- Clinging, tantrums, or bedwetting again
Teens
Teens may pull away, take risks, or feel guilty about what they did or didn’t do.
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Risky behavior, like reckless driving or substance use
- Anger that seems out of proportion
Young adults
Trauma can show up as trouble trusting, sleeping, or keeping up at school or work.
- Feeling on guard in everyday places
- Avoiding closeness in relationships
- Sleep problems that won’t let up
Not sure if it’s trauma?
Trauma reactions can look like anxiety, depression, ADHD, or behavior problems, and they often overlap. You don’t need to have it figured out. Our clinicians will help you understand what’s going on and what will help.
How we treat trauma and PTSD
Handspring therapists are trained in trauma-informed care and evidence-based approaches to helping you recover from traumatic events.
TF-CBT for you or your child
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is the best-studied treatment for trauma in kids and teens.
- Build skills to calm the body and manage big feelings
- Work through what happened, at their own pace
- Rebuild a sense of safety and confidence in daily life
Caregiver involvement
Parents learn what trauma reactions look like, how to respond in hard moments, and how to support new skills at home.
- Understand trauma reactions
- Respond calmly in hard moments
- Prepare to hear and support your child’s story
What about medication?
Therapy is the first-line treatment for PTSD in kids and teens. Medication may help with related problems, like sleep, anxiety, or depression, and can be discussed with the treatment team when relevant.
For young adults 18 and older, care is one-on-one with their therapist and does not include parent involvement.
What parents are saying
“Lindsay LITERALLY changed not just my daughter's life, but our entire family dynamic. We thought we were going to have to consider homeschool, as she was experiencing debilitating separation anxiety. We assumed she would end up on medication - not only did she not need medication, she has not missed a single day of school this year.”
“Megan was so valuable to our family during a trying time in our lives. My son needed someone to understand him and show him how to ask for help when he needs it. He has gone from failing multiple classes to being an honor student. He’s been so helpful around the house and is all around a happy child. We’re so grateful that we made the choice to go with Handspring.”
“There has been a marked change in my daughter's ability to cope with anxiety and stressors and using the coping skills she learned she has been able to get through situations that she couldn't before. Her self confidence has also increased. Many thanks to Shanna - my daughter was sad to not see her each week any more, but the reason for that was a great one.”
“I have seen a huge improvement in the way my daughter communicates, manages her emotions, and behaves since she started her weekly sessions. I am so grateful to see such a positive impact with her and within a short period of time. Tried other solutions and none worked. Thankful for Handspring services helping our family."
“Lindsay LITERALLY changed not just my daughter's life, but our entire family dynamic. We thought we were going to have to consider homeschool, as she was experiencing debilitating separation anxiety. We assumed she would end up on medication - not only did she not need medication, she has not missed a single day of school this year.”
“Every aspect has been great so far. The onboarding process was quick and easy - everyone was so professional, responsive, and compassionate. Our child was quickly matched with a therapist with a suitable personality, style, and approach. Additionally, the parents’ needs are being addressed as well - the option to have that support is invaluable!”
“We were so happy with the care our son received. There has been such a change in him over the past year and we are so grateful! Morgan was able to connect with him so well and teach him so many skills that he now uses every day. Thank you all so much for everything you have done!”
“My daughter had such a positive experience with Handspring. Christine was amazing with her and my daughter felt very comfortable talking to her. My daughter’s self confidence and attitude have improved drastically since starting Handspring. Thank you so much!”
“Megan was so valuable to our family during a trying time in our lives. My son needed someone to understand him and show him how to ask for help when he needs it. He has gone from failing multiple classes to being an honor student. He’s been so helpful around the house and is all around a happy child. We’re so grateful that we made the choice to go with Handspring.”
“Natasha was extremely patient and kind, but also very clear and honest with my daughter when speaking to her. She also handled dealing with myself and my ex extremely professionally and was always available to help when I had any concerns outside of my daughter’s appointment.”
“Michael built a great relationship with my son early on in the sessions, therefore my son felt extremely comfortable speaking to him and opening up about his feelings. Michael was kind, fun and gave excellent coping techniques. My son is much more open and vocal with his feelings and uses Michael’s techniques when he’s upset or getting frustrated.”
“There has been a marked change in my daughter's ability to cope with anxiety and stressors and using the coping skills she learned she has been able to get through situations that she couldn't before. Her self confidence has also increased. Many thanks to Shanna - my daughter was sad to not see her each week any more, but the reason for that was a great one.”
Get started with therapy fast
Your first consultation is free, then insurance covers the sessions after that with a nominal copay.
Start with a free consultation
Meet with our clinical services team to discuss what brings you here and get matched to one of our licensed therapists. No waitlist, available within 48 hours.
Meet your therapist for an assessment
Meet with your therapist so they can form an accurate diagnostic assessment and develop an effective treatment plan.
Begin treatment within a week
With remote sessions, flexible scheduling, and length of treatment tailored to your needs, this is high-quality care that’s made to fit your life.
Questions parents ask
Don’t see your question? Talk to our care team.
Will this get better on its own?
Many people recover in the weeks after a scary event, especially with support at home. If reactions last more than a month, get worse, or get in the way of daily life, it’s time to get help.
Should I ask my child about what happened?
Let them know they can talk to you anytime, and listen calmly when they do. Avoid pressing for details. A therapist can help them work through it at a safe pace.
What should I do if my child tells me about abuse?
Stay calm, believe them, and tell them it isn’t their fault. Make sure they’re safe, and report it to child protective services or the police. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-422-4453, can guide you.
Will therapy mean reliving it?
Trauma-focused therapy goes at a comfortable pace and starts by building coping skills. Talking about what happened, with support, helps the memory lose its power over time.
Is medication needed?
Therapy is the first-line treatment for PTSD in kids and teens.
Ready to talk it through?
A free consult with our care team is the first step. We’ll listen to what’s going on and help you decide what comes next.
Sources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Child trauma.
- Cohen JA; AACAP Work Group on Quality Issues. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2010.
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), 2022.