Traumatic Events & Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
Understanding Trauma That Lasts Beyond the Event
Identifying the Lasting Impact of Childhood Trauma
When a child or teen experiences a traumatic event, such as a serious accident, violence, natural disaster, abuse, or loss, it can leave deep emotional scars. For many, the pain recedes; for others, the trauma becomes persistent and disabling, showing up as repeated nightmares, extreme anxiety, anger outbursts, or a fear of going to school or sleeping. At Alexander Youth Network, we specialize in helping youth whose trauma responses are severe, ongoing, and impacting daily life—when standard support and therapy are not enough.
What to Look For as a Parent
- Recurring nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts about the event
- Avoidance of reminders (places, people, activities) tied to the trauma
- Heightened “jumpiness,” irritability, or aggression (especially when routine changes)
- Struggling in school: sudden drop in grades, refusal to attend, or frequent disciplinary incidents
- Emotional numbing, withdrawal, or saying they “can’t feel anything”
- Acting out in risky ways, self-harm, or substance use to escape intrusive memories
- Family turmoil: frequent conflict, breakdowns in communication, or repeated crises at home
- Trauma history (abuse, neglect, exposure to violence) and no improvement despite standard supports
If your child’s trauma-related behaviors are frequent, severe, and interfering with school, home or peer life, they likely need more than outpatient therapy—they need a robust, structured treatment plan.
Why Early Intervention Matters for Trauma & PTSD
- More than two-thirds (≈67%) of children in the U.S. will experience at least one traumatic event by age 16. (cited from SAMHSA)
- Approximately 12% of children/adolescents exposed to trauma develop PTSD symptoms that persist.(cited from cambridge.org)
- Children who experience repeated or interpersonal trauma (abuse, witnessing violence) are much more likely to develop PTSD and co-occurring behavioral, academic, and emotional problems. (cited from PubMed)
These statistics underscore that trauma is not just a single event—it can undermine a child’s ability to learn, connect, and thrive unless addressed early and intensively.
How Alexander Youth Network Treats Severe Trauma & PTSD
Our whole-child, trauma-informed model is built to help youth who require intensive care for their traumatic responses. We offer a full spectrum of programs which can be scaled to meet the level of need:
Facility-Based Crisis Center
For children in urgent crisis post-trauma (e.g., self-harm attempts, acute risk, severe dysregulation). Our crisis center in Greensboro provides immediate stabilization, psychiatric evaluation, and trauma-informed care in a safe, therapeutic environment.
Residential Treatment
For youth whose trauma has deeply affected daily functioning, safety, and emotional stability. In our Charlotte Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) and Greensboro Residential Treatment Center (RTC), we provide around-the-clock supervision, trauma-specific therapies, family engagement, and structured support to rebuild hope and safety.
Intensive In-Home Services
When the child remains in the home but trauma-driven behaviors disrupt family routines, safety, and education. Our IIH team works directly in your environment to create safety plans, teach emotion regulation, reduce crisis behaviors, and restore connection and stability.
Day Treatment
For children whose trauma symptoms are making it impossible to succeed in traditional school settings. Day Treatment integrates therapeutic programming with academics, helping students process trauma, improve focus, manage behavior, and continue education in a safe, structured setting.
If your child has experienced trauma and is struggling with persistent nightmares, school refusal, anger outbursts, or risk‐taking behaviors—you don’t have to wait. Alexander Youth Network is here to provide the high-level, trauma-focused care your family needs.