When individuals face complex challenges — such as chronic illness, mental health conditions, substance use disorders, housing insecurity, legal issues, or any combination of these problems — support systems often become fragmented and difficult to navigate. What many institutions overlook is the profound impact that trauma can have in shaping these life experiences and outcomes.

That’s where trauma-informed care makes a difference. It represents a fundamental shift in how we approach people across healthcare, education, social services, and community support. By recognizing the prevalence and effects of trauma, this approach fosters environments that are safe, respectful, and empowering. Whether it’s a classroom, a clinic, or a courtroom, trauma-informed practices help ensure individuals receive the understanding, dignity, and personalized care they deserve.

What is trauma-informed care?

Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach that acknowledges the pervasive impact of trauma and recognizes potential pathways for recovery. It emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety for both providers and patients.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) identifies six core principles that form the foundation of trauma-informed care:

1. Safety
2. Trustworthiness and transparency
3. Peer support
4. Collaboration and mutuality
5. Empowerment, voice, and choice
6. Cultural, historical, and gender issues

In complex care, this approach enables providers to consider how adverse experiences affect a person’s ability to engage in their care and make informed decisions about their health.

Why trauma matters in complex care

Research shows that trauma, especially when experienced during childhood, can have lifelong effects. According to the landmark Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study conducted by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente, 64% of adults reported experiencing at least one ACE before age 18, and nearly one in six reported having four or more. Higher ACE scores correlate with:

• Chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes
• Mental health conditions
• Risky behaviors like smoking or substance use

In complex care populations — often those with overlapping physical, behavioral, and social health needs — trauma is not just common; it’s the norm.

The benefits of a trauma-informed approach

Improved outcomes across systems

When people feel safe, valued, and supported, they’re more likely to engage in essential services such as healthcare, education, housing, employment, and legal support. TIC creates environments rooted in trust and empowerment, improving communication and encouraging consistent participation. This approach supports long-term progress in health, well-being, and community stability.

For instance, The Permanente Journal found that trauma-informed practices improve mental health, reduce substance use, and enhance quality of life. These benefits extend beyond healthcare, especially for those with trauma histories who may avoid services due to fear or stigma. By integrating TIC across all sectors, organizations can reduce barriers, build trust, and drive more equitable outcomes.

Stronger, more respectful relationships across systems

Trauma-informed care strengthens relationships between individuals and service providers by emphasizing safety, respect, and collaboration. It’s especially crucial for people from marginalized communities or those who have experienced systemic inequities, discrimination, or abuse. TIC acknowledges those histories and prioritizes inclusive, affirming practices that honor lived experiences.

Whether in a healthcare clinic, school, shelter, or courtroom, a trauma-informed approach transforms interactions into opportunities for healing and empowerment rather than retraumatization. Such a shift not only improves engagement and outcomes but also creates a culture of care that benefits both individuals and the professionals who serve them.

By intentionally fostering a supportive, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment, providers can build the trust patients need to feel safe, heard, and valued. This foundation of trust encourages patients to take a more active role in their care, strengthening communication and promoting shared decision-making. The result is care that is more personalized, effective, and compassionate—rooted in a true partnership between provider and patient.

More effective interventions

When providers have a clear understanding of how trauma shapes a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, they can design interventions that address the root causes of challenging behaviors, not just the symptoms. Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all approaches, trauma-informed care allows for personalized strategies that consider an individual’s triggers, coping mechanisms, and emotional needs.

As a result, interactions become more compassionate and respectful, increasing the likelihood of long-term success in treatment or support. Whether in schools, healthcare settings, or social services, interventions grounded in trauma awareness are better equipped to build trust and promote meaningful healing and growth.

How providers can implement trauma-informed care

Trauma-informed care isn’t a one-time training — it’s an organizational shift. Here’s how providers and care teams can make the change:

• Screen respectfully for trauma histories without pushing disclosure
• Train staff at every level on how trauma impacts patients — and how to respond compassionately
• Redesign environments to promote safety, privacy, and comfort
• Build community partnerships to connect patients with essential resources, including housing, employment, and peer support
• Embed equity by acknowledging and addressing systemic injustices that affect patient care

Real-world example: complex care with compassion

One great example is the Camden Coalition’s Complex Care Model, which combines trauma-informed principles with interdisciplinary team care. We focus on building trusting relationships and addressing social needs with clinical care. Our results have shown reductions in hospital readmissions and improved patient satisfaction.

Trauma-informed care isn’t just “nice to have” — it’s essential in complex care. Recognizing the deep roots of trauma helps providers treat the whole person, not just a list of diagnoses. It creates an environment where healing is possible, even when the path is complicated.

By embedding trauma-informed practices into care for our most vulnerable populations, we move closer to a system that truly heals — body, mind, and heart.

The Camden Coalition is a multidisciplinary, community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving care for individuals with complex health and social needs in Camden, New Jersey, and nationwide. To achieve person-centered, equitable care, we develop and test care management models in partnership with consumers, community members, health systems, community-based organizations, government agencies, payers, and other stakeholders.

As one of New Jersey’s four Regional Health Hubs, the Camden Coalition collaborates with regional partners, New Jersey’s Medicaid office, and other state agencies to expand data sharing and collaboration among organizations, ensuring that patients across South Jersey receive seamless, whole-person care. You can visit the Camden Coalition Learning Center to register for on-demand, curated courses that provide skills and resources to develop and grow complex care programs.

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