An interprofessional approach to trauma-informed care in the Mood and Anxiety program at Health Sciences North

Abstract

The advanced practicum explored an interdisciplinary approach to trauma-informed care while working on an interprofessional health team in the Mood and Anxiety Program (MAP) at Health Sciences North in Sudbury, Ontario. The MAP team offers group-based therapy that is guided by evidence-based practices which include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Individual treatment is also offered to individuals with a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The literature review analyzed the following key themes: CBT trauma treatment, DBT trauma treatment, trauma and substance abuse, interprofessional collaboration and narrative therapy trauma models. Entry-level social workers have little knowledge about working with PTSD and trauma exposure is often the driving force of many presenting issues for individuals struggling with mental health issues. Social work students need to be educated and have practical experience about trauma-informed care to be effective practitioners in the field of social work.