Clarity Child Guidance Center Achieves Level 1 Trauma-Informed Care Certification
Clarity Child Guidance Center has recently earned the Level 1 Foundational Trauma-Informed Care Organizational Certification from the Ecumenical Center. This certification recognizes Clarity as an organization dedicated to enhancing resilience and empowerment among its participants. The process highlights their commitment to providing comprehensive support through safety, trust, choice, and collaboration.
The mental health professionals at Clarity estimate that an overwhelming 90% of their patients have faced trauma. Given this reality, the organization began its transition to a trauma-informed treatment approach over 13 years ago. Recently, over the past two and a half years, they have worked diligently to expand this approach and successfully earn the trauma-informed care certification.
According to Jessica Knudsen, LCSW, FACHE, CEO and President of Clarity, "Trauma-informed care aligns perfectly with our treatment philosophy at Clarity Child Guidance Center. The certification process was a vital reminder that we must extend the same empathy to our colleagues as we do to the families seeking our services." This perspective ensures that caring practices flow throughout the organizational culture.
Carol Carver, MSN, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Clarity, elaborates on the benefits of the trauma-informed treatment approach. "Implementing trauma-informed care has significantly improved the quality of care that we provide to our patients and their families. Our certification enhances the use of these principles across all departments, which ultimately boosts employee engagement and positively impacts everyone connected with Clarity."
About Clarity Child Guidance Center
Established in 1886, Clarity Child Guidance Center stands as the sole nonprofit entity in South Texas dedicated to offering a full spectrum of mental health services for children aged 3 to 17 and their families. Their mission is to effectively manage a range of mental health conditions, from anxiety and depression to more severe challenges like suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
The Ecumenical Center serves as the certifying body for the South Texas Trauma-Informed Care Consortium, which collaborates with organizations such as The Children's Shelter and the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. This partnership works to enhance community wellness through trauma-informed principles.
Understanding Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-informed care embodies a compassionate organizational approach that recognizes the lasting effects of trauma on individuals and families. It focuses on fostering physical and emotional safety to empower trauma survivors to reclaim resilience and thrive in their lives.
Training and Support Received
The Institute for Trauma-Informed Care at University Health provided Clarity with valuable assessment, training, technical assistance, and coaching throughout this journey. Their guidance was instrumental in establishing a strong foundation for trauma-informed practices at Clarity.
A spokesperson from the Ecumenical Center expressed admiration for Clarity's dedication: "Clarity Child Guidance Center's commitment to the emotional well-being of children closely aligns with the essential principles of Trauma-Informed Care. By attaining Level 1 Certification, Clarity demonstrates not only its dedication to compassionate treatment but also its role as a leader in fostering safe, supportive environments for children and families to heal and grow. We look forward to witnessing the positive changes this will bring to the community."
Mission and Vision of Clarity
Clarity's mission is to support children and families in their pursuit of mental wellness. Their vision emphasizes the importance of ensuring that every child and family in need receives the necessary services. Clarity serves an average of over 6,000 children and teens annually, providing essential mental health resources without regard to a family’s ability to pay.
Clarity offers a 74-bed inpatient mental health hospital, a 24/7 walk-in Crisis Services department for emergencies, and various other therapies and assessments. Approximately 65% of Clarity’s patients come from low-income families supported by Medicaid, CHIP, STARHealth, STARKids, alongside affordable contracts with local mental health authorities. Importantly, Clarity ensures that they never refuse service to families based on their ability to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is trauma-informed care?
Trauma-informed care is an organizational practice that acknowledges the long-term impact of trauma on individuals and focuses on fostering safety and empowerment.
Why did Clarity pursue this certification?
The certification reaffirms Clarity's commitment to provide high-quality, empathetic care to children and families affected by trauma.
What support does Clarity provide to families?
Clarity offers various mental health services, including inpatient care, crisis services, outpatient therapy, and psychological assessments, among others.
How does trauma-informed care benefit employees?
This approach enhances employee engagement and satisfaction, creating a supportive workplace culture that positively impacts wellness and job satisfaction.
How does Clarity ensure services are accessible?
Clarity maintains a commitment to provide care regardless of a family's financial situation, accepting various insurance plans and ensuring no one is turned away for lack of payment.
