Frequently Asked Questions
What is a traumatic event?
A traumatic event or injury is a frightening, dangerous, and/or violent event that causes someone physical harm and possibly emotional harm. Traumatic events include serious injuries, serious car or bike accidents, serious falls, gunshot wounds, physical assault and sexual abuse.
What are common reactions to trauma?
There are many different ways that people of all ages might react to a traumatic event. These reactions can be negative (for example, anxiety, sadness, sleep problems), but some may be positive (for example, stronger family or peer relationships, personal growth, increased appreciation for everyday things).
Often, people who experience negative emotional reactions after a traumatic event will begin to notice improvement in these reactions over time. If you do not experience improvement after a few weeks, TRRP can help to assess your emotional recovery and provide assistance.
How can I complete TRRP’s brief mental health screening?
Please contact us here to let us know you are interested or call us at 843-792-0979 and we can get you set up with our brief mental health screening. This can be completed over the phone, by text message, or by email and it usually takes about 10-20 minutes. Once this is completed, we will talk with you about what next steps can be taken towards emotional recovery.
I would like to set up an appointment with TRRP. How can I do that?
The first step is to take our brief screening assessment that can be done over the phone with one of our trained TRRP staff members. Please contact us here or call us at 843-792-0979. Once this is completed, an appointment can be scheduled at our downtown Charleston office, via telehealth, or in another location nearest to you.
What is treatment, how long does it take, and will it actually help?
TRRP uses evidence-based treatments that have been shown through years of research to be effective for patients that have experienced traumatic events. Treatment usually includes education, skill building, and practice exercises and is offered both in-person at our downtown Charleston, SC location or through telehealth.
Treatment can last anywhere from 4 sessions to 12 sessions. Some patients start to see significant improvements in their mood and stress after a few sessions with the therapist. Other people may feel that they need additional sessions. Each session is typically 60-90 minutes, depending on the type of treatment you are completing. Treatment is most effective when patients are committed and motivated to engage with all aspects of the treatment. This involves attending all sessions and completing “homework” between sessions.
I don’t think therapy will be as effective over telehealth. Will this be helpful?
Some people have concerns that telehealth will ruin the connection between patient and therapist, but research and feedback from previous patients suggests that most patients don’t even notice the therapist isn’t in the same room as they are once the session starts. Telehealth is just as effective as in-person treatment, as long as the patient is engaged with the session and working towards their goals in therapy.
How much are your fees?
A majority of our services are free of charge, including the 30-day check in phone call and other logistical communication. Currently, telehealth sessions are also free of charge. In-person appointment fees vary depending on insurance coverage.
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact us at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time. It is important to note that if you miss any three appointments without letting us know ahead of time, your treatment file will be closed and you will be placed back on the waitlist to begin again at a different time with another therapist due to MUSC policy.
What do I do up until my appointment?
There are a number of things you can do before meeting with one of our therapists to help you start feeling better. Read through our stress management tip sheets to help you get started with your emotional recovery until a therapist can meet with you. If you have any questions about these, please feel free to call and we can help!
What if I have more questions?
You can always contact us by phone (843-792-0979) or email (trrp@musc.edu) if you have any questions about treatment, paperwork, or anything else that crosses your mind. A staff member is usually available during business hours. If you are trying to reach us due to an emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.