Trauma and Behavioral Health
Trauma and violence are widespread and challenging behavioral health concerns in our communities. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), trauma comes from "an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being."
Trauma has no boundaries with regard to age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Unfortunately, it is also a common experience for adults and children in American communities, and it is especially common in the lives of people with mental and substance use disorders. For this reason, the need to address trauma is increasingly seen as an important part of effective behavioral health care and an integral part of the healing and recovery process.
It’s important during challenging times to monitor your behavioral health needs, as well as safely stay connected to your community. Know the signs of trauma and when and how to seek help for yourself, as well as loved ones.
Please stay tuned as we update this page with trauma-related resources, credible information sources, and self-care tools for your mental health and wellbeing.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911. For assistance accessing services, Medi-Cal recipients please see our Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention and Treatment online resources.
