“The Buoy”: Utilization of a low-threshold ambulatory setting for traumatized children and adolescents in Austria

BACKGROUND: This investigation intended to assess the use of an outpatient clinic providing low-threshold, short-term trauma therapy for children and adolescents across the first 6 years of its existence. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the records of all patients undergoing treatment in this institution between 2001 and 2007 (n = 2510) has been performed. We evaluated demographic data, reason for contacting the unit, the referring person or institution, the person or institution in charge of the care and custody of the child, the number of contacts with the clinic, presence of physical or psychiatric illness of a parent, and medications prescribed. RESULTS: Ages of patients ranged from 1 to 17. Gender distribution was even. Having experienced the death of a relative, experienced violence, or having witnessed traumatic death were the main reasons for presentation. The utilization rates of immigrants rose throughout the observation period. Children from foster care were seen less frequently than expected. Medication was hardly prescribed. CONCLUSIONS: Ample utilization of this institution clearly demonstrates the need for short-term acute outpatient trauma therapy for children and adolescents. Efforts to provide easily accessible institutions for youth who experience traumatic events should be stepped up.