The Hidden Gap in Mental Health Practice: Why 90% of Therapists Are Missing Critical Trauma InformationThe shocking statistic that's changing how we view trauma screeningDear Fellow Therapist, What if I told you that despite everything we know about childhood trauma, less than 10% of therapists are routinely screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in their practice? This isn't just a statistic—it's a wake-up call that could transform how you understand and treat your clients. The Research That Changed Everything The groundbreaking CDC-Kaiser ACE Study revealed something that should make every therapist pause: 67-70% of people have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience There's a direct dose-response relationship between ACE scores and adult health problems Childhood trauma literally rewires the brain and creates lasting biological changes ACEs are a major root cause of the leading causes of death and disability in adults
The Devastating Reality of High ACE Scores Here's what the research shows happens as ACE scores climb: Physical Health Consequences: Dramatically increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke Higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and autoimmune disorders Premature death—people with ACE scores of 6+ die nearly 20 years earlier Chronic pain and inflammatory conditions
Mental Health & Behavioral Impact: 4-12 times higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts Increased likelihood of substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, prescription medications) Higher rates of risky sexual behavior and relationship difficulties Smoking rates that are 2-4 times higher than those with low ACE scores
The Biological Truth: High ACE scores don't just correlate with problems—they create toxic stress that fundamentally alters brain development, disrupts the stress response system, and triggers inflammatory processes that persist for decades. Yet here's the troubling reality: In California's ACEs Aware initiative—one of the most progressive trauma-informed programs in the country—therapists conducted only 1% of ACE screenings, while physicians conducted 82%. In his autobiography, Hillbilly Elegy, JD Vance tells of his very high ACE score of six and it effects. This tells us that high ACE scores can also be a sign of tremendous resilience for those who overcome its impact. Ref: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6220625/ What This Means for Your Practice Think about your current caseload. Statistics suggest that: At least 2 out of 3 of your clients have experienced childhood trauma Many are dealing with multiple types of adversity (ACEs rarely occur in isolation) Their presenting symptoms might be trauma responses rather than standalone mental health conditions Clients with high ACE scores may be struggling with chronic physical health issues alongside mental health concerns
The hidden connection: That client with chronic anxiety might also be dealing with autoimmune issues. The one with depression could be at significantly higher risk for heart disease. The substance abuse case? Likely trying to cope with the biological aftermath of childhood trauma. Without routine ACE screening, you might be treating symptoms instead of root causes—missing the very foundation of your clients' struggles. The Opportunity Hidden in Plain Sight While research shows that 84% of ACE screening happens for research purposes (not clinical practice), forward-thinking therapists are beginning to bridge this gap. Those who complete ACE screening training report planning to implement routine screening—but actual implementation remains low. This creates an incredible opportunity for therapists who are ready to lead the way in trauma-informed care. What You Can Do Right Now Assess your current approach: When was the last time you systematically asked about childhood experiences? Consider the ripple effect: How might routine ACE screening change your understanding of client presentations? Think about your competitive advantage: In a field where most therapists aren't screening for the experiences that shape 67% of the population, what would it mean to be among the informed few?
The research is clear, the need is urgent, and the opportunity is enormous.The question isn't whether childhood trauma affects your clients—it's whether you're equipped to recognize and address it. Your clients' healing may depend on asking the right questions. Here is our ask with the ACE score added to SelfView you now have to a large degree cause and effect for the symptoms that you see in your patient / client. To do our part at PsycHealth, we will provide five free SelfView assessments if you get in touch with us. If you decide you like the combination of the ACE score with SelfView and want to continue with SelfView the cost is only $10 per administration. Think of SelfView as a great way to differentiate your practice. P.S. Remember: Every client who walks through your door has a story. ACE screening helps ensure you're hearing the whole story—not just the chapter they're ready to share. We’re here to help. Thanks for Reading, Alex van Putten | Co-Founder PsycHealth, Inc.
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