SHIELD Psychiatry

Protecting Young Minds. Empowering Futures.

Trauma and Dissociation Therapy Resources

Thank you for taking the time to complete the SHIELD Psychiatry prescreener. Based on the information shared, the experiences described may benefit most from evaluation and treatment by a clinician with specialized training in trauma and dissociation. Because SHIELD Psychiatry focuses primarily on outpatient psychiatric evaluation and medication management, we believe the most appropriate next step is connecting your family with a therapist who provides specialized trauma treatment.

This is not a diagnosis or a rejection. Experiences such as feeling detached from the body or surroundings, losing track of time, memory gaps, or feeling disconnected from oneself are recognized clinical experiences. They may occur for several reasons and require careful assessment by a qualified clinician.

What Kind of Treatment May Help

Ask each therapist whether they have specific training and experience treating dissociation in children, adolescents, or young adults. General trauma experience does not always include specialized training in dissociative symptoms.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

TF-CBT is a structured treatment for children and adolescents experiencing trauma-related emotional, behavioral, and functional concerns. Caregiver participation is usually an important part of treatment.

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is used to treat trauma-related symptoms. Ask whether the clinician has pediatric or adolescent experience and specific training in managing dissociation safely.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT and adolescent DBT may help strengthen grounding, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, safety planning, and interpersonal skills.

Phase-Oriented Trauma Therapy

This approach typically emphasizes safety, stabilization, grounding, emotional regulation, and daily functioning before beginning trauma-processing work.

Specialized Provider Directories

  • International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation

    Search for clinicians with professional interest or training in trauma and dissociation. Confirm the clinician’s age range, licensure, insurance participation, and current availability.

    Find a Specialist

  • EMDR International Association

    Search for EMDR-trained clinicians by location and specialty. Ask directly about child, adolescent, trauma, and dissociation experience.

    Find an EMDR Therapist

  • TF-CBT Therapist Certification Program

    Search for clinicians certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

    Find a TF-CBT Therapist

  • Psychology Today

    Search by ZIP code and filter for Trauma and PTSD, Dissociative Disorders, children, adolescents, insurance, and telehealth.

    Search Therapists

  • DBT-Linehan Board of Certification

    Search for certified DBT clinicians and treatment programs. Confirm that the provider treats adolescents and includes caregiver participation when appropriate.

    Find Certified DBT Care

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network

    Review child-trauma education and locate NCTSN-affiliated programs and treatment centers.

    Find Trauma Programs

Tampa Bay and Surrounding Counties

Program availability, age eligibility, referral requirements, insurance participation, and specialty services may change. Ask specifically about trauma-focused treatment and clinician experience with dissociative symptoms.

  • Gracepoint Wellness — Hillsborough

    Children’s outpatient behavioral health, trauma-informed services, case management, and community care.

    (813) 272-2244

  • BayCare Behavioral Health

    Children’s outpatient behavioral health, family treatment, trauma-informed care, and referral services across Tampa Bay.

    1-800-878-5470

  • Crisis Center of Tampa Bay

    Trauma counseling, sexual assault services, crisis support, and community referrals. Sliding-scale or supported services may be available depending on the program.

    (813) 964-1964

  • The Spring of Tampa Bay

    Confidential counseling, advocacy, shelter, and trauma support for children and families affected by domestic violence.

    (813) 247-7233

  • Sunrise of Pasco County

    Domestic and sexual violence advocacy, counseling, shelter, and trauma support for children and families.

    (352) 521-3120

  • Directions for Living — Pinellas

    Trauma-informed children’s behavioral health, counseling, family services, and community support.

    (727) 524-4464

  • Suncoast Center — Pinellas

    Child and family behavioral health, trauma treatment, sexual abuse services, and community-based programs.

    (727) 388-1220

  • Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

    Pediatric psychology, psychiatry, developmental, and specialty medical services in St. Petersburg.

    (727) 767-4854

Orlando and Central Florida

  • Aspire Health Partners

    Children’s and family behavioral health, trauma-informed treatment, crisis services, and community programs.

    (407) 875-3700

  • Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida

    Specialized behavioral, therapeutic, residential, and community-based services for children and adolescents.

    (407) 937-2400

  • Nemours Children’s Health — Orlando

    Pediatric behavioral health, psychology, and specialty medical services. Ask about referral requirements and current age eligibility.

    (407) 650-7715

  • Children’s Advocacy Center of Orange County

    Trauma-focused assessment, advocacy, and treatment for children who may have experienced abuse.

    (407) 254-9415

Free and Lower-Cost Florida Resources

  • Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers

    Locate a regional child advocacy center. Centers may provide trauma-focused evaluation, family advocacy, and no-cost treatment for children affected by abuse.

    Find a Florida Center

  • Florida 211

    Free connection to local trauma counseling, behavioral health, victim services, housing, financial support, and family resources.

    Dial 2-1-1

  • Florida Crime Victim Compensation

    Counseling and other expenses may be covered when trauma is connected to a qualifying crime. Eligibility requirements apply.

    1-800-226-6667

  • School Counselor or School Psychologist

    School personnel may provide immediate support, help create a safety plan, offer accommodations, and connect families with community trauma services.

Family Education and Support

  • An Infinite Mind

    Education, conferences, peer information, and resources for people and families affected by dissociation.

    Visit An Infinite Mind

  • Sidran Institute

    Trauma and dissociation education and resource information for individuals, families, and professionals.

    Visit Sidran

  • NAMI Florida

    Family education, support groups, local affiliates, and assistance navigating Florida’s mental health system.

    (850) 671-4445

Continue Current Care While Arranging Specialized Therapy

There is currently no medication that specifically treats dissociation itself. When clinically appropriate, medication may help manage related concerns such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, or sleep disturbance, while specialized psychotherapy remains the primary treatment. If the patient currently has a prescriber, therapist, pediatrician, or primary-care clinician, continue working with that provider until specialized care is established. Do not abruptly stop or change prescribed medication without guidance from the current prescriber.

We are sorry that SHIELD Psychiatry is not the appropriate treatment setting for the needs described. We sincerely hope these resources help your family connect with a qualified trauma and dissociation specialist as soon as possible.

Save the Complete Resource Guide

Open the permanent SHIELD Psychiatry resource page for therapist directories, Florida trauma programs, family education, crisis resources, and additional referral options.

Open Trauma & Dissociation Therapy Resources