36816 A Trauma-Informed Approach to High Risk Sexual Behaviors

Course overview

In patients with behavioral health problems, the vast majority have experienced some form of trauma. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), trauma survivors are at high risk for substance abuse, mental illness, and other health problems. In addition, trauma may have both acute and long lasting effects on an individual’s emotional, physical, social, and spiritual health. Because of this, the SAMHSA Trauma and Justice Strategic Initiative has deemed that addressing trauma is a public health priority. In behavioral health organizations, providing trauma-informed care is now the expectation, not the exception, and by addressing trauma, healthcare organizations can improve the quality and impact of services delivered in behavioral health, leading to increased safety and better patient outcomes.