Benefits of Being Trauma Informed

For example, it can improve patient and staff experiences, by:

• creating a proactive approach to safety
• creating safer physical and emotional environments for clients, families, and staff
• creating and sustaining opportunities for choice, power and control through increased therapeutic interactions
• reducing the possibility of re-traumatization
• improving the social environment in a way that improves all relationships
• creating environments that care for and support staff
• increasing the quality of services, reducing unnecessary interventions, reducing costs
• reducing the number and types of negative encounters and events (e.g., seclusion and restraint)
• creating a resiliency and strengths-based focus
• increasing client and family satisfaction
• increasing success and job satisfaction among staff

(List adapted from: National Council for Behavioral Health, 2013)

Furthermore, the following evidence-based benefits have been documented in the literature:

• Reduced trauma symptoms, drug use severity and mental health symptoms (Moses et al., 2003)
• Increased effectiveness of services – in engagement, retention, and outcomes (SAMHSA, 2011)
• Cost effective treatment (Community Connections, 2005)
• Decreased patient use of acute care and crisis services (SAMHSA, 2011)
• Increased organizational outcomes, such as: enhanced staff skills and morale; more collaboration within and outside their agencies; reduced vicarious trauma; fewer negative events (Hopper, Bassuk, Olivet, 2010)

(List adapted from: Trauma Matters Report, 2012)