Trauma Treatment for Children & Adolescents in NY, NJ, & CT
A Path to Healing: Trauma Therapy for Children & Adolescents
If your child or adolescent is struggling with the distress of a traumatic event, you are not alone—there is effective help available. Metro NY DBT Center’s Trauma Program is designed specifically for children, adolescents, and families navigating the complex aftermath of trauma.
We provide a structured, supportive environment to address symptoms like anxiety, nightmares, and avoidance head-on. Our dedicated team in NY, NJ, and CT utilizes proven modalities of trauma therapy for children and teens to gently and effectively guide them through the treatment process and toward a life of emotional well-being.
Understanding the Impact and Manifestations of Childhood Trauma
Trauma in childhood and adolescence can stem from a wide range of experiences, such as childhood abuse, a serious accident, natural disasters, the loss of a loved one, or a violent event. This event can have a profound impact on mental health, especially because the developing brains and emotional systems of young people are particularly vulnerable.
The effects of these experiences can manifest in a variety of ways, including changes to mood and behavior to more specific clinical conditions.
These can include:
Intense anxiety, fear, and worry
Irritability, anger, and mood swings
Persistent nightmares or flashbacks
Difficulty with concentration and school performance
Avoidance of people, places, or things related to the trauma
Feelings of detachment, numbness, or shame
In addition to these signs, our clinicians are skilled in identifying and treating the specific, complex conditions that can arise from severe or chronic trauma, such as:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD in children and adolescents often presents through nightmares, irritability, sleep disturbances, regressive behaviors, and school avoidance.
Complex PTSD (cPTSD)
Complex PTSD (cPTSD) may arise from ongoing exposure to abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. It can result in chronic emotional dysregulation, trust issues, identity confusion, and high-risk behaviors.
Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative Disorders can also manifest in youth, especially those who experienced severe, chronic trauma. Symptoms may include memory gaps, feeling detached from one’s body, or adopting different identities as a coping mechanism.
Our Evidence-Based Trauma Treatment
At Metro NY DBT Center, our trauma treatment services are grounded in a phased and developmentally appropriate approach. We customize treatment to the unique needs of your child or adolescent—and of the whole family—with stabilization, emotional safety, and caregiver involvement emphasized from the beginning. Our clinicians use empirically validated treatments to address symptoms safely and effectively.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT is considered the gold standard for treating PTSD in children and adolescents. It is a structured and highly effective model that includes psychoeducation, relaxation skills, practicing new coping strategies, trauma narration, and deep caregiver involvement. The goal is to help young people and their families understand, manage, and resolve the impact of trauma.
- Proven Efficacy: Research shows that TF-CBT therapy for youth leads to an 80% reduction in PTSD symptoms in children after just 12–20 sessions (Cohen et al., 2004).
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR for Children and Adolescents)
EMDR is a structured, brain-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories. Using bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements or tapping), EMDR helps "unstick" the memory, reducing its vividness and emotional charge. EMDR for children and adolescents can be a powerful tool for alleviating traumatic distress.
DBT Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE) for High-Risk Adolescents
For adolescents who struggle with both PTSD and significant emotion dysregulation, we offer an integrated approach called DBT Prolonged Exposure. While traditional Prolonged Exposure (PE) is primarily used with adults, DBT-PE has been adapted for adolescents experiencing emotion dysregulation, especially those engaging in self-harm or high-risk behaviors. This treatment combines the skill-building of DBT with the trauma-processing power of PE, ensuring clients have the necessary coping skills to safely address their trauma.
- Targeted for Complex Needs: A 2016 study found that adolescents receiving DBT-PE (with caregiver involvement) experienced a 62% reduction in self-harm behaviors and significantly improved emotional regulation (Harned et al.). When caregivers are trained in DBT skills alongside their teens, family conflict decreases and treatment retention improves.
The Critical Role of Family in Trauma Recovery
We believe that healing from trauma happens best within a supportive family system. Your involvement is a cornerstone of your child’s success.
- Learn about the impact of trauma on your child’s brain and behavior.
- Learn how to enhance validation skills and respond to your child’s distress.
- Create a home environment that fosters safety, connection, and healing.
- Develop a shared language for navigating difficult emotions and memories.
- Effectively reinforce new coping skills.
How Trauma Therapy Could Help
Our trauma-focused therapies are designed to produce meaningful, lasting change for your child and family. Treatment could help:
- Significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance.
- Decrease feelings of anxiety, depression, and anger.
- Improve emotion regulation and coping skills.
- Restore a sense of safety and control.
- Strengthen family relationships and communication.
- Improve school functioning and peer relationships.
- Foster resilience and a renewed hope for the future.
Our Approach to Trauma Treatment at Metro NY DBT Center
Our Trauma Program is structured to provide comprehensive, effective, and safe care.
- Comprehensive Assessment: Begins with three 60-minute intake sessions with one of our clinicians. Insurance CPT Code: 90791.
- Collaborative Treatment Planning: We work with you and your child to create a tailored treatment plan, Insurance CPT Code: 90834.
- Weekly Individual Therapy: Weekly 45 to 90-minute sessions for your child, PE sessions are 90-minutes, Insurance CPT Code: 90834.
- Skills Group Training: Optional weekly 75-minute group sessions for additional support, Insurance Code 90849
- Parent Consultation: Weekly 45-minute consultation sessions for parents, insurance CPT Code: 90834.
The Metro NY DBT Difference: Expert Trauma-Informed Care
Choosing Metro NY DBT Center means choosing a team committed to the highest standard of care for young people.
Expertise

Our clinicians have intensive training and practical experience in evidence-based trauma treatments like EMDR, PE, and DBT-PE.
Integrated & Collaborative Care
Our team works together through regular consultation to ensure your child receives coordinated and comprehensive treatment.
Commitment to Safety

We prioritize creating a physically and emotionally safe environment, which is the essential foundation for trauma work.
Evidence-Based Hope

We provide structured, proven therapies that offer a clear path toward healing and long-term resilience.
Insurance and Payment Information
Metro NY DBT Center is an "out-of-network" provider and does not participate directly with insurance panels. Clients are responsible for payment at the time of service. We provide detailed invoices that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We encourage you to speak with your insurance provider about your benefits. Please let us know if we can assist you in understanding this process, though we cannot guarantee reimbursement.
Fee Structure for Trauma Program Services
60-minute Intake/Assessment Session -
Insurance CPT Code: 90791
45-minute Individual Therapy Session -
Insurance CPT Code: 90834
90-minute Individual PE Therapy Session -
Insurance CPT Code: 90837
45-minute Parent Consultation Session -
Insurance CPT Code: 90846
75-minute Skills Group Session -
Insurance CPT Code: 90849
Take the Next Step Toward Healing
It takes courage to seek help for trauma, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our program offers a compassionate, effective path to help your child or adolescent process the past and build a life that feels safe, meaningful, and worth living.
Empower your child and family to start the healing process. Contact Metro NY DBT Center to schedule your consultation.
Visit our Contact Page: Click Here
Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Therapy for Youth
What is the difference between Prolonged Exposure (PE) and EMDR?
PE is a behavioral therapy that helps your child gradually and safely confront trauma-related memories and situations to reduce fear. EMDR is a brain-based therapy that uses bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements) to help the brain reprocess the traumatic memory, reducing its emotional power. The best therapy for your child will be determined during the comprehensive assessment phase.
How do I know if my child or adolescent needs trauma therapy?
If your child or teenager has experienced a distressing event and is showing lasting changes in their mood, behavior, sleep, or ability to function at home or school, a consultation with a trauma specialist is recommended.
Is it safe for my child to talk about the trauma?
Yes. Our evidence-based therapies are specifically designed to process trauma in a way that is gradual, controlled, and safe, ensuring your child is never overwhelmed. Building safety is the first and most important step.
How long does trauma treatment take?
The duration of treatment varies depending on the individual's needs and the specific therapy used. Our programs are structured and goal-oriented, and we will establish a clear treatment plan with you from the beginning.