An Update on Our Therapy Program
Therapy can have a life-changing impact on a child’s healing and resilience following child abuse. In a perfect world, every child impacted by trauma would have access to therapy. Unfortunately, here in Central Oregon, this is not the case. Especially in rural communities, access to evidence-based trauma treatment can be prohibitive to many families.
Here at KIDS Center, it is our responsibility to mitigate potential barriers as best we can. We have the exciting and fortunate opportunity to expand our Therapy Program to increase access to therapeutic services in our rural communities. KIDS Center will have a part-time therapist in Jefferson and Crook Counties with the goal to collaborate with local mental health services in providing evidence-based therapies to youth impacted by child abuse and their families.
These modalities will include:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Eye Movement Desensitization Training (EMDR)
We also know that having a supportive caregiver or other adult in a child’s life is the number one most important factor in building a child’s resilience following adverse childhood experiences. Our therapy program at KIDS Center includes in-house therapists from Deschutes County Behavioral Health (DCBH), and provides therapeutic services to the entire family. These services often begin when a family comes to KIDS Center for a Medical Evaluation. A therapist meets with the family to support them in navigating their child’s healing as well as potential triggers of their own historical abuse.
Although therapy is often critical/necessary to the healing process, not all children need therapy following child abuse. Providing caregivers education around the potential impact of abuse and how to best support their child in their healing process, can be very helpful in de-escalating concern around the future well-being of their child. These sessions can lead to longer-term therapy if assessed by the therapist and desired by the caregiver. With generous donor support, fundraising and grants, KIDS Center is honored to be able to increase these services to our rural communities.
To learn more about our therapy program or to inquire about therapy options, please call KIDS Center at 541.383.5958 and as to speak to a therapist.
