Psychosocial Trauma Support Service

The Psychosocial Trauma Support Service (PTSS) comprises clinical psychologists who specialise in providing trauma assessment and intervention for children (from 3 to below 18 years old) and women, to support them in coping with the after-effects of traumatic experiences. PTSS also works closely with medical and allied health professionals, schools and community organisations to minimise trauma-related distress and symptoms among children, women and their families.

Hospital-based Services

• Screening of traumatic stress symptoms in women who were admitted to KKH after exposure to adverse events such as sexual assault, perinatal complications and/or losses, and traumatic grief
• Screening of traumatic stress symptoms in children who are admitted to KKH after an accidental injury
• Psycho-emotional assessment of psychological impact following traumatic experiences
• Evidence-based treatment for psycho-emotional difficulties arising after trauma
• Training healthcare staff to provide trauma-informed care at KKH

Community Programmes

PTSS believes in enhancing the community’s capability to provide psychosocial support to children, youth and their families after crises or traumatic events. To this end, PTSS developed the Trauma Network for Children (TNC) programme – in collaboration with Temasek Foundation – to generate awareness about trauma and create learning opportunities for our community to gain knowledge and skills for supporting children and youth post-trauma.

For more information about the TNC, please visit: www.childtraumanetwork.sg

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a traumatic event?

• A traumatic event occurs when an individual experiences actual or perceived threat to their life, body (such as physical injury and sexual harm) or personal integrity.
• These events can overwhelm our capacity to cope and also affect our daily routines or relationships. Examples of traumatic experiences include accidental injuries (e.g. accidents and burns), non-accidental injuries (e.g. physical or sexual abuse) and medical distress (e.g. having to go through a scary medical procedure).
• People may also be affected when they witness or learn that others, especially loved ones or significant others, have become victims of traumatic events.

What is the impact of experiencing a traumatic event?

• Immediately after going through a traumatic event, people may experience strong feelings such as fear, sadness, anger or guilt. They may also experience other distress reactions, including difficulties in sleeping and/or concentrating, increased vigilance and body symptoms like stomach aches or headaches.
• It is important to note that these reactions are all normal responses to an abnormal situation and will usually subside after about four weeks.
• If your child/you continue to experience significant distress reactions four weeks after the event, it is recommended to speak to a healthcare professional regarding these concerns.

How do I make an appointment with PTSS?

Referrals to PTSS are made internally within KKH. To make an appointment for the paediatric or women’s service at PTSS, your child/you will first need to be seen by a KKH doctor who will assess and make the referral, if necessary.

Click here for more information about PTSS’ referral criteria.

You can make a doctor's appointment via our website here, call us at 6294 4050 or email centralappt@kkh.com.sg.

Introductory Resources on Trauma:

• Psychological Trauma in Adults
• How Partners and Caregivers Can Help

Additional Resources on Trauma:

Interpersonal/Relationship Violence:

• Psychological Trauma from Sexual Assault
• Psychological Trauma from Relationship Violence

Medical/Loss:

• Psychological Trauma from Birthing Experiences
• Caring for your Emotional Well-being after a Termination of Pregnancy
• Coping with Traumatic Grief After Pregnancy Loss
• Coping with Traumatic Grief after the Loss of a Child
• Psychological Trauma from Death of a Loved One