Mental Health
REPORT ABUSEAt Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center, we provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health services to children ages 3 to 18 who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events.
All services are offered free of charge and are tailored to support both the child and their non-offending caregivers through the healing process. Therapy sessions at DCAC are primarily offered in person, with telehealth options available via Microsoft Teams based on the child’s ability to participate and the family’s access to a private space. Referrals for services can be made by anyone, including caregivers, schools, or following a forensic interview.
Therapy Services We Offer:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
A structured, evidence-based model designed to help children and adolescents manage trauma symptoms, process difficult experiences, and strengthen family support.
Psychoeducation Therapy
A short-term, skills-based model (typically 3–5 sessions) that helps children and caregivers understand trauma and build healthy coping strategies.
Trauma and Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents (TGCTA)
An evidence-based model designed to address needs of children 11 to 18 affected by trauma, bereavement, and/or traumatic bereavement.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
A psychotherapy approach that uses guided eye movements or rhythmic stimulation to help children safely process and heal from traumatic memories and emotional distress.
Mental Health FAQs
Click on a question below for the answer.
To get started, call the main DCAC line 803-358-7200, and ask to be connected with our Therapy Intake Coordinator.
What is trauma?
Trauma is any experience that is deeply distressing or disturbing. Traumatic events don’t always yield the same reactions in everyone. Some individuals might recover quickly, while others may feel the impact of the incident for months or years to come. Traumatic events might cause a person to fear for their personal safety, health, or life as well that of others. Some common types of trauma are:
- Physical, psychological, or sexual abuse
- Physical or emotional neglect
- Witness to domestic violence
- Loss of a significant loved one
- Natural or man-made disaster (e.g. flood, fire, or mass shooting)
- Serious accident, injury, or illness
What are common reactions to trauma?
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Each individual reacts differently to trauma due to many factors, including the severity of the incident, age, and personal history. Possible symptoms or effects of trauma include:
- Difficulty thinking or talking about the event
- Feelings of shame or guilt
- Sleep disturbances (trouble falling or staying asleep, sleeping too much)
- Increased fear in both safe and unsafe situations
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decreased performance at school or work
- Mood swings, irritability, angry outbursts
- Avoiding people or things that trigger memories of the traumatic event
Often responses to trauma can be confused or attributed to behavior problems or to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It’s important to consider that children exhibiting these symptoms may be reacting to a traumatic event and may need help processing the related thoughts and feelings. Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center offers therapeutic support for families in crisis and can help to identify if behavioral concerns are in relation to trauma.
What if my child isn’t experiencing trauma symptoms?
If your child doesn’t show symptoms or doesn’t wish to begin therapy, we will gladly provide recommendations for how you can support them. We are available at any time you need us, even if it is months or years after the incident has passed.