Without effective therapeutic intervention, child victims of abuse may suffer ongoing or long-term consequences that will impact them throughout their lifetimes. Therapy services, individual and group, are provided for children who have experienced sexual/physical abuse or neglect or witnessed a traumatic event and their caregivers. Anyone may refer a child survivor of trauma to Carousel for therapy. To refer a child/patient for services – please complete the form at the bottom of this page.
Carousel’s team of therapists is experienced in working with children and has specialized training in several proven treatment models:
- Trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Our clinicians are certified through the North Carolina Child Treatment Program (NCCTP). This is an evidence-based approach to treating trauma in children (ages 3-17), such as sexual or physical abuse, domestic violence exposure, neglect, and more.
- Child-parent Psychotherapy (CPP) therapy for young children 0-5 and their parents/caregivers who have experienced trauma. Supports family relationships and helps families heal and grow after stressful experiences.
- Problem Sexual Behaviors – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT) is an evidence-based assessment and treatment program for school-aged children (ages 7-12) struggling with problematic sexualized behaviors and their families. Offered in both a group format and individual family therapy based on the family’s needs. PSB-CBT strives to decrease problem sexualized behaviors and ensure ongoing success for the child and family.
- Safe Group – Parenting After Trauma is a 12-week support group for parents/(non-offending) caregivers and child survivors, ages 7-16. Provided in a safe, supportive environment where they can discuss issues related to abuse of their child/ren and strategies for parenting after trauma. This is a free group education provided by the Coastal Horizons Center. Parenting After Trauma is not a therapy group but rather an education program that provides information on topics such as the impact of Trauma on child and parent, ways to increase physical and emotional safety for children, coping skills for caregivers and children; behavior and communication strategies that can make a difference; ways to help the family not only heal but to grow stronger; community support team resources that are available in the community.
- Therapy Dog – To minimize trauma to children, Carousel may have a therapy dog onsite to greet and wait with children and their families! Therapy dogs empower victims and provide emotional support. A body of scientific evidence proves that dogs are the one animal that positively impacts our blood pressure and other health indicators. Minimizing stress for victims and their families is consistent with our mission. Therapy dogs are routinely used at hospitals and recently started working at airports to alleviate stress for travelers. If you or your child are afraid or allergic to dogs, please inform the front desk greeter, and you will be placed in a special ‘dog-free’ waiting room upon arrival.
How To Report Suspected Child Abuse
If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, or if you think a child may have died from being mistreated, the law requires you to report what you know to your county’s Department of Social Services.
- New Hanover County: 910-798-3400
- Brunswick County: 910-253-2077
- Pender County: 910-259-1240
If you believe a child is in imminent danger call 9-1-1 immediately.
Additional resources:
The Suicide Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
Trillium Screening Triage and Referral – 1-877-685-2415
Quick video overview of your visit to Carousel Child Advocacy Center