What Is Trauma-Informed Care in Psychiatry?
By Bright Setorglo, PMHNP-BC · July 05, 2026
What Is Trauma-Informed Care in Psychiatry?
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an organizational and clinical framework that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and integrates this understanding into all aspects of service delivery. In psychiatry, trauma-informed care shifts the question from "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?"
The Prevalence of Trauma
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) affect approximately 64% of American adults. The original ACE study demonstrated a dose-response relationship between childhood trauma and adult health outcomes: higher ACE scores correlate with increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, PTSD, and even physical conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Trauma is not rare — it is the norm.
The Six Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
Safety: Patients must feel physically and psychologically safe. This includes predictable appointment structures, clear explanations of procedures, and informed consent for all interventions.
Trustworthiness and Transparency: Decisions are made transparently, with open communication about treatment options, risks, and benefits. Patients are not subjected to unexpected procedures or power imbalances.
Peer Support: Connecting patients with others who have experienced similar trauma provides validation, hope, and practical coping strategies.
Collaboration and Mutuality: Treatment decisions are shared. The provider is a partner, not an authority figure. Patients retain agency over their care.
Empowerment, Voice, and Choice: Patients' strengths are recognized and built upon. Treatment plans respect individual preferences, cultural needs, and prior experiences.
Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues: Services are responsive to cultural, racial, gender, and historical contexts. Trauma from discrimination, systemic racism, or intergenerational trauma is acknowledged and addressed.
Trauma-Informed Psychiatric Assessment
Routine trauma screening using validated tools (PCL-5, ACE questionnaire) is standard in trauma-informed practices. Assessment is conducted carefully, avoiding re-traumatization. Patients are informed that they can decline to answer any question and that their safety is prioritized over information gathering.
PathToHope provides trauma-informed psychiatric care through telepsychiatry across Oregon, Texas, and Florida. All evaluations are conducted with sensitivity to each patient's unique history and needs.
About the Author: Bright Setorglo, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and the founder of PathToHope Wellness and Behavioral Health Wellness & Behavioral Health. He provides comprehensive telepsychiatry services across Oregon, Texas, and Florida.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 911 immediately.