Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)

Behavioral health service provision that takes into account the reality that a significant percentage of service recipients are survivors of one or another forms of traumatic experience. A trauma-informed approach endeavors to deliver services in such a way as to be sensitive to trauma recovery needs, and to avoid even unintentional re-traumatization.

Human service systems become trauma-informed by thoroughly incorporating, in all aspects of service delivery, an understanding of the prevalence and impact of trauma and the complex paths to healing and recovery. Trauma-informed services are designed specifically to avoid re-traumatizing those who come seeking assistance. They seek “safety first” and commit themselves to “do no harm.” Studies such as the SAMHSA-funded Women, Co-Occurring Disorders, and Violence Study have provided evidence that trauma-informed approaches can enhance the effectiveness of mental health and substance abuse services.