Childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Childhood trauma means harmful experiences in early life, such as abuse, neglect, violence at home or a parent's serious illness or substance use. They raise the risk of mental health problems later, but healing is possible with safe relationships and trauma-focused therapy at any age.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Emotional dysregulation
- Attachment difficulties
- PTSD symptoms in children
- Behavioural problems
How it is usually treated
- Trauma-Focused CBT
- Child-Parent Psychotherapy
- EMDR for children
- Play therapy
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “Something bad happened to my child and they have changed”
- “My child has nightmares and fears since the incident”
- “My child has become withdrawn or clingy”
- “I am worried about the effects of what my child went through”
People affected by childhood trauma may also notice PTSD, depression or substance use. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
If a child is in danger now, call 112 or Childline on 1098. For emotional crisis call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist or psychologist builds the picture gently over time, often starting with how you are now. You never have to relive details before you are ready.
Treatment and support
- Trauma-focused CBT for children and families
- Child-parent psychotherapy for young children
- EMDR where suitable
- Play therapy
- Stabilising the family and keeping the child safe
- For adults: phase-based trauma therapy
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists start with safety and trust and move at your pace. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist meets the child or teenager and the parents, together and separately where helpful, and also asks about school and friendships.
Who is involved
A psychiatrist leads, a clinical psychologist can work with the child and parents, and school input is welcomed.
Between sessions
Parents get clear guidance for home, and reviews follow behaviour, mood and school life.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Can adults heal from childhood trauma?
Yes. Healing is possible at any age, with a safe relationship and the right therapy.
What counts as childhood trauma?
Abuse, neglect, violence at home, loss of a caregiver, or a parent's serious illness or substance use are common examples.
Do I need to talk about all of it?
No. Therapy goes at your pace.
If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Divya GurunathanPsychiatrist - Women's Mental Health & Child Psychiatry- Dr. Barkha ChikaraCo-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Psychiatrist
Dr. Vineet PaliFounder & COO, Psychiatrist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.