Schizophrenia and trauma informed care at Forbs
- Scarlet Plus LLC
- Nov 16
- 6 min read
Living with Schizophrenia or caring for someone who has it can feel scary and confusing. Many people with Schizophrenia have also lived through trauma such as abuse, neglect, violence, accidents, or sudden loss. Trauma informed care helps bring safety, respect, and choice into treatment so people do not feel blamed or overwhelmed while they heal. (SAMHSA)
At Forbs Behavioral Health Services in Frederick Maryland, our team uses trauma informed care with every person we see for Schizophrenia, trauma related disorders, or both. We offer in person treatment in Frederick and telehealth across Maryland for evaluation and support so you can start care in the way that feels most comfortable to you.
What trauma informed care means
Trauma informed care is an approach that understands how common trauma is and how deeply it can shape thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Instead of asking what is wrong with you, trauma informed care asks what has happened to you and how can we help you feel safe now. Experts describe trauma as events that feel physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that have lasting effects on health and daily life. (SAMHSA)
Many mental health and medical groups use a set of key ideas to guide trauma informed care. These ideas include
Safety in the clinic environment and in the way staff speak and act
Trust and clear, honest communication
Respect for your voice, your choices, and your goals
Support from people who understand trauma
Working together as partners, not as boss and patient
Respect for culture, history, gender, and identity
At Forbs, trauma informed care means your story is heard at your pace, your boundaries are honored, and your treatment plan is built with you, not for you.
How trauma and Schizophrenia can be linked
Research shows that many people living with Schizophrenia have also gone through serious trauma at some point in life, often in childhood. Trauma can increase the risk of psychosis in people who already have other risk factors and can shape the content of symptoms such as voices or strong beliefs. For example, someone who has survived abuse may hear threatening voices or have fears that match their past experiences.
People with Schizophrenia are also more likely than the general population to have post traumatic stress disorder, also called PTSD. PTSD can bring nightmares, flashbacks, feeling on edge, or wanting to avoid reminders of the trauma. When PTSD and Schizophrenia happen together, treatment can feel more complicated if trauma is not recognized and addressed. (Psychiatry Online)
Because of this close link, trauma informed care is very important for people with Schizophrenia. It helps providers at Forbs look beyond symptoms and understand how past experiences may still be affecting sleep, mood, trust, and behavior today.
Trauma informed care for Schizophrenia at Forbs
At Forbs Behavioral Health Services, trauma informed care is part of how we treat both Schizophrenia and trauma related disorders. Our team provides psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and therapy for people who may have psychosis, trauma, or both. (Forbs Behavioral Health Services)
What you can expect before your first visit
From the first contact, the goal is to reduce fear and confusion. When you reach out
Staff speak in calm, clear language and explain each step
You can share as much or as little as feels safe at first
Scheduling is flexible, with options for telehealth visits across Maryland or in person care in Frederick
You can ask questions about privacy, safety, and how visits work
You do not need a perfect story or a clear label to make an appointment. It is enough to say that you or your loved one is struggling with voices, unusual thoughts, fear, or past trauma.
What you can expect during your evaluation
During a trauma informed evaluation for Schizophrenia and trauma at Forbs
Your clinician moves at your pace and checks in on how you are feeling
You are invited, not forced, to talk about past events
You can pause, skip, or come back to hard topics
The provider explains why they ask each question so it does not feel random or invasive
You are welcome to bring a trusted support person if that feels helpful
The clinician looks at symptoms of psychosis such as hearing voices or strong fixed beliefs, as well as signs of trauma such as nightmares, flashbacks, or feeling always on guard. The goal is to understand the full picture so your plan fits your real needs.
Treatment options you may discuss
Your plan may include several parts, such as
Medication for Schizophrenia to reduce hallucinations, delusions, and confused thinking
Medication for mood, anxiety, or sleep when needed
Trauma focused therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or EMDR to help you process painful memories in a safe, structured way
Skills training to manage stress, sleep, and daily routines
Supportive therapy that helps you build coping skills and self compassion
On the Forbs trauma and PTSD treatment page, the team explains how they combine therapy and medication to help people heal from the inside out using evidence based care. (Forbs Behavioral Health Services)
How trauma informed care feels for patients
For many people, past experiences with mental health care may have felt rushed, cold, or even shaming. Trauma informed care aims to feel very different. Patients at Forbs can expect
Warm, respectful greetings, whether in person or on video
A clear explanation of diagnosis and treatment options in simple words
Space to share how culture, faith, family, and identity shape your story
Care that avoids harsh language, threats, or punishment
A focus on strengths, not only problems
You are invited to say what has helped or hurt in past treatment so your current care does not repeat painful patterns.
Telehealth and in person care at Forbs
Forbs Behavioral Health Services offers both telehealth and in person care, so you and your family can choose what fits best. (Forbs Behavioral Health Services)
Telehealth across Maryland
For people anywhere in Maryland, telehealth visits allow you to
Meet with a psychiatric provider from your home or private space
Avoid travel if you feel anxious in public places or have limited transportation
Include family members from different locations when helpful
Continue care even during busy seasons or health problems
Telehealth works well for evaluations, follow up visits, medication management, and ongoing support, as long as it is safe and clinically appropriate.
In person care in Frederick
Some people feel more comfortable meeting face to face, especially when symptoms are more intense or when starting a new treatment. At the Frederick clinic
You are welcomed into a calm, professional setting
Staff are trained to notice signs of distress and respond in a supportive way
You and your provider can build a strong relationship over time
If you live in Frederick or nearby areas, you can mix in person and telehealth visits to match your needs and schedule.
How to prepare for a trauma informed visit
You do not need to prepare anything special, but these steps can help you feel more in control
Write a short list of your main concerns such as voices, fears, sleep problems, or memories
Note any past diagnoses or treatments that helped or did not help
Bring a list of current medications and doses
Think about one or two goals such as feeling safer at night, returning to work or school, or having fewer hospital visits
If you feel nervous, bring a trusted support person or plan a calming activity after the visit
Remember, you can say this is hard to talk about at any time. That statement will be respected.
When to seek urgent help
Sometimes symptoms of Schizophrenia or trauma can become a crisis. Get immediate help if
You or your loved one talks about wanting to die or to harm someone
Voices are telling the person to hurt themselves or others
You see serious self harm, confusion, or loss of touch with reality
The person cannot care for basic needs such as eating, drinking, or staying safe
In the United States, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at any time. For life threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. (Forbs Behavioral Health Services)
After crisis care, trauma informed follow up at Forbs can help you and your family understand what happened and lower the chance of future crises.
Taking the next step with Forbs Behavioral Health Services
If you or someone you love lives with Schizophrenia, trauma, or both, you do not have to face it alone. Trauma informed care at Forbs Behavioral Health Services in Frederick and through telehealth across Maryland offers a safe place to talk about hard experiences, understand symptoms, and build a plan that respects your story.
You can reach out to request an appointment, ask questions about services, or learn more about trauma and PTSD treatment and care for Schizophrenia at Forbs.
With the right support, healing is possible and hope is real.
