Working with Families

Families, friends, and others are affected by trauma as well as the person who experienced the event or events. Find information below to incorporate family in treatment. Also see Treating Specific Groups: Children.

Basic Information on PTSD and Families

• PTSD and the Family
  Gives an overview of the effects of PTSD on family members and includes some general advice for providers.
• When a Child's Parent Has PTSD
  Explains the common problems experienced by children of Veterans or other adults with PTSD. Provides recommendations for how to cope with these difficulties.
• Couples and PTSD
  This PTSD 101 online course describes research on PTSD and intimate relationship problems. Discusses rationale and methods for including partners and loved ones in assessment and treatment.

Military Families

• Partners of Veterans with PTSD: Research Findings
  Discusses common problems experienced in relationships in which one or both partners have PTSD. Also discusses treatment options and provides resources for caregivers.
• How Deployment Stress Affects Children and Families: Research Findings
  Discusses research findings on the effects of a parent's deployment on children and spouses. Includes resources for providers and families.
• Web Links: Military
  Links to a wide variety of military resources, such as military branches, military family programs, and Veterans service organizations (VSOs).

Other Resources

• Children and Trauma
  Information on the impact of trauma on children and schools, normal and prolonged stress responses, assessment considerations, and intervention models.
• Web Links: Children and Adolescents
  Links to information specific to children and adolescents dealing with trauma, including general and military-focused organizations and resources.