Trauma Inititative

Traumatic experiences (e.g., sexual/physical abuse or other life-threatening events) are pervasive in the lives of persons with serious mental illness, and can often lead to serious disorders such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance abuse or major depression. Until recently, the problems associated with traumatic events were largely ignored in public mental health systems. This is beginning to change with knowledge gained from research and greater public awareness.

Addressing the effects of trauma in the lives of consumers with mental illness is one of the major goal areas of the SCDMH as it attempts to help consumers recover from mental illness. This Web site is intended to provide information regarding the efforts of the DMH Trauma Initiative and provide an educational resource concerning PTSD and other trauma-related problems.

Mission Statement

To oversee the development and implementation of a state-wide, consumer-focused trauma initiative to foster the development of policies, procedures, and practices which ensure that:

1) consumers with histories of trauma receive state-of-the-art assessment and treatment; and

2) practices in the SCDMH centers and facilities do not create, nor recreate, traumatizing events for consumers.