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Trauma-Informed Care · Wilmington, NC

Intake Process

What to expect as you begin your healing journey.

At Wilmington Trauma Center Inc, our intake process is designed to ensure that every individual receives trauma-informed, personalized, and evidence-based care from the very first contact. Our goal is to make your transition into treatment as smooth, supportive, and effective as possible, while gathering the clinical information necessary to guide your recovery.

1. Initial Contact and Scheduling

You may schedule your first appointment by phone, email, or through our secure online portal.

Upon scheduling, you will receive access to our electronic intake packet and assessment forms.

2. Pre-Session Intake Packet and Baseline Assessments

Before your first visit, you will be asked to complete the following online:

  • Patient Intake Packet: Collects personal, medical, mental health, trauma history, and contact information.
  • Baseline Self-Report Measures:
    • PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)
    • Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7)
    • Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9)

These brief, evidence-based measures help us understand your current symptoms and establish a baseline for your care.

All information is confidential and securely stored.

3. Comprehensive Clinical Assessment (CCA) and Structured Interview

During your first in-person or virtual session, your therapist will:

  • Review your intake packet and clarify any information as needed.
  • Conduct a Comprehensive Clinical Assessment (CCA) covering:
    • Presenting concerns and goals for therapy
    • Trauma history and current symptoms
    • Medical, psychiatric, substance use, social, educational, and occupational history
  • Administer the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5):

    This gold-standard, structured interview is conducted by a trained clinician to assess for PTSD diagnosis, symptom severity, and functional impact.

4. Collaborative Treatment Planning

Following assessment, your therapist will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan, including:

  • Your treatment goals and measurable objectives
  • Recommended evidence-based interventions (such as CBT, EMDR, or Medical Hypnosis)
  • A plan for ongoing monitoring and review

5. Ongoing Symptom Monitoring

At each session, you will be asked to complete the PCL-5, GAD-7, and PHQ-9.

This ongoing measurement allows us to track your progress, adjust your care plan as needed, and ensure you are receiving the most effective support.

6. Empowerment and Progress

Treatment is a collaborative process. You will learn skills for managing trauma symptoms, building resilience, and achieving your personal goals.

As you progress, we will help you develop strategies for maintaining gains, preventing relapse, and supporting long-term wellness.

7. Confidentiality and Access

All information you provide is confidential and protected.

You will have access to your records, session summaries, and assessment results through our secure patient portal.

Payment & Access to Care

Wilmington Trauma Center Inc is committed to removing financial barriers to trauma care. We offer both insurance-based and grant-assisted care options. The quality of your care is never determined by your ability to pay. All patients receive the same high standard of service, regardless of payment method.

Admission Criteria

You may benefit from our services if you:

  • •Are experiencing symptoms of trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or depression that interfere with daily functioning
  • •Require outpatient, trauma-focused care (not 24-hour or inpatient care)
  • •Are seeking recovery and support after inpatient or acute care, or as a first step in addressing trauma
  • •Are motivated to engage in evidence-based therapy for trauma recovery

Crisis Notice

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please call 9-1-1 or visit your nearest emergency department.