Trauma-informed care is an approach that aims to engage people with histories of trauma, recognize the presence of trauma symptoms, and acknowledge the role that trauma has played in their lives.
Trauma-informed care is grounded in and directed by a thorough understanding of the neurological, biological, psychological, and social effects of trauma and the prevalence of these experiences in persons who seek and receive mental health services.
Trauma-informed care also recognizes that traditional service approaches can re-traumatize consumers and family members. Additionally, trauma-informed care is a person-centered response focused on improving an individual’s all-around wellness rather than simply treating symptoms of mental illness (source).