Human trafficking is a public health and mental health crisis, with survivors facing PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trauma bonds. Community mental health centers (CMHCs) play a vital role in providing trauma-informed care, yet barriers like mistrust, financial limitations, and fragmented services hinder recovery. To address this, the Center for Behavioral Health (CBH) recently implemented a human trafficking response protocol to improve survivor identification, treatment, and support. CBH seeks to share preliminary results from this initiative, offering insights into its effectiveness and areas for improvement. CMHCs can better support survivors through a multidisciplinary, survivor-centered approach that includes structured response protocols and culturally competent care. However, many providers lack training to address the unique needs of trafficking survivors. CBH’s protocol implementation offers lessons on bridging these gaps through improved care coordination and trauma-informed interventions. Enhancing mental health responses requires interagency collaboration between healthcare providers, law enforcement, and social services. Trust-building measures, including privacy protection, informed consent, and culturally responsive care, are essential. Policymakers, mental health professionals, and community organizations must advocate for increased training, sustainable funding, and survivor-informed services. Strengthening CMHCs’ trauma-informed care capacity will improve support systems, promote healing, and empower survivors. CBH’s preliminary findings provide valuable insights into best practices and future improvements, making expanded initiatives essential for addressing trafficking survivors’ long-term mental health needs.
Bridget O'Neil is currently pursuing her master’s in counseling psychology and is the graduate assistant for the Center for Human Trafficking Research and Training. While working for the center, Bridget has been able to work with community partners, lived experience experts, and healthcare professionals, to build a continuum of care for survivors of human trafficking around the lower nine counties of Mississippi.
Kimberly Hogan is the Director of the University of Southern Mississippi Center for Human Trafficking Research & Training and is the Primary Investigator for SOARing in Mississippi. Her research work spans the prevention, detection, identification, and treatment of minor and adult sex trafficking victims.
Kristy McRaney is the Director of the University of Southern Mississippi Center for Behavioral Health (CBH). Dr. McRaney evaluates and treats children's mental health disorders, leading CBH to expand access to evidence-based care in Mississippi. She also promotes mental well-being and resilience among students and faculty through campus initiatives.