What mental health services are required for children receiving trafficking victim services?

• A. Individual counseling only
• B. Family counseling only
• C. Individual counseling and family counseling
• D. No counseling required

Answer: (C)

Trauma-informed, comprehensive mental health support for child trafficking victims requires both the child’s own therapy and work with the family. Individual counseling helps the child process the trauma, develop coping skills, and address symptoms like intrusive memories, anxiety, and depression. Family counseling engages caregivers, improves communication, sets safe boundaries, reduces secondary stress, and helps create a supportive home environment that reinforces the child’s healing. Together, these services address the child’s internal healing needs and the family dynamics that shape recovery, making both forms essential. Focusing on only one form leaves gaps: individual work without family involvement may miss ongoing environmental triggers, while family work without direct trauma-focused therapy for the child may not adequately address the child’s personal healing needs.