Our Approach

At BHSA, we work hard to care deeply about each client - their past experiences, their personality, their strengths - and collaborate with them work toward a healthier future.

Did you know? CDC research shows that more than 60 percent of American adults have experienced at least one "adverse childhood event" in their youth, and almost a quarter of adults have experienced 3 or more.


This research shows that the trauma we endure as a child can cause significant changes in our brain and body.

In fact, experiencing 4 or more Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) is associated with significantly increased risk for 7 out of 10 leading adult causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, COPD, diabetes, Alzheimer's and suicide.


ACEs also increase a child's likelihood of having an unplanned pregnancy, dropping out of school and/or being incarcerated.

Traumatic experiences can include:


  • Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse;
  • Physical and emotional neglect;
  • Having a family member with a mental health or substance use disorder;
  • Violence in the household or community;
  • Poverty and systemic discrimination;

Trauma Informed Care

Trauma-informed care takes into consideration each client's unique history and experiences before developing a treatment plan and implementing it. Often a child’s maladaptive behavior is way of seeking connection, so rather than using traditional and punitive methods of discipline, we have learned that healing and improvement happens within the context of a safe relationship.


BHSA has made a commitment to be a trauma-informed agency with all team members (both clinical and non-clinical) completing extensive training surrounding trauma-informed care. At its core, TIC is an organizational culture shift from “What is wrong with you? to “What happened to you?”

How Does TIC Affect Therapy?

We use the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) frequently in our therapy sessions. It is an evidence-based treatment that helps children and their families address the negative effects of trauma, including processing their traumatic memories, overcoming problematic thoughts and behaviors, and developing effective coping and interpersonal skills.

Implementing Trauma Informed Care:

Realizing the widespread impact of trauma

and understanding potential paths for recovery;

Recognizing the signs

and symptoms of trauma in individual clients, families, and staff;

Seeking to actively resist re-traumatization

Avoid creating an environment that causes them to experience emotional and biological stress.

Integrating knowledge

about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices; and

When working with clients, our goals are more targeted to offer:

Client Safety

Developing health care settings and activities that ensure clients’ physical and emotional safety;

Client Empowerment

Using individuals’ strengths to empower them in the development of their treatment;

Client Choice

Informing clients regarding treatment options so they can choose the options they prefer; (maximizing collaboration).

Trustworthiness

Creating clear expectations with clients about what proposed treatments entail, who will provide services, and how care will be provided.