Divorce – Adverse Childhood Trauma

866-705-0828 Get Started

Teens spending time outdoors together at a Muir Wood residential campus

In-Network With Most Commercial Insurers

*Please note that at this time, we are not in network with Medicaid/Medi-Cal

Get Started

Clinically reviewed by

Dr. Ian Wolds Psy.D.

Last reviewed on July 16, 2026

An Adverse Childhood Experience

The United States has the 6th highest divorce rate in the world. Almost 50 percent of all American marriages will end in divorce or separation. That many divorces may make them seem routine, even normal, but their prevalence is exactly what makes it such a serious threat to the healthy mental and physical development of children. Divorce or separation of the parents is one of the ten adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) most commonly screened for if there is a suspicion of trauma.

When Additional ACEs Compound

Even if the parting of the parents is amicable, it’s a major stressor for children. However, other ACEs—such as domestic violence, parental substance misuse, physical and emotional neglect of the child—are often in play before the separation of the parents actually happens. Any additional ACEs compound the psychological trauma the child is experiencing. There is a strong correlation between trauma and substance use disorder (SUD). Addiction and SUD are frequently driven and exacerbated by unresolved trauma—especially childhood trauma.

As the ACE Score Increases

As the ACE score increases, so does the risk of disease, social and emotional problems. With an ACE score of 4 or more, things start to get serious. The likelihood of misusing drugs and alcohol rises significantly; the risk of attempted suicide increases by over 1,200 percent.

Processing the Emotional Impact

Even if the divorce itself is the only ACE, the separation of the parents can lead to anxiety and depression in the child which are also correlated with substance abuse. Divorce can make it harder for young people to develop a healthy identity based upon parental role models, make it harder to trust others, and feel displaced. Helping young people resolve the trauma of parental separation and making them understand that they were not the cause, is crucial to allowing them to process the emotional impact and move on.

Helping Teens Without Blaming Parents

At Muir Wood, we understand that divorce is as painful for parents as it is for children. Our goal is to ally with parents and adolescents to achieve harmony and accord to reduce stress for every member of the family. Muir Wood integrates family therapy into its programming. Parents and family members are provided with private counseling, connected to support resources, and attend joint therapy sessions with their children.

Muir Wood Treatment Center Reviews

Read about Muir Wood experiences from a parent who has been through it. Read these and other reviews from real parents of Muir Wood alumni. If you would like to speak to an alumni parent, contact us and we’ll arrange it.

Muirwood is one of the most beautiful campuses I’ve ever visited and the staff is highly compassionate and experienced. I would strongly recommend this program for anyone in need of help for their teenage son.

RM

Jul 2026
The staff at Muir supported our 15 year old son with professional expertise and with heart. We are very grateful for all the coping skills our son learned at Muir, and we observe him applying these skills to maintain his sobriety.

GH

Jul 2026
I feel like the program is comprehensive and my son got good care while he was here, especially compared to other facilities.

JP

Jul 2026
My daughter was happy during her stay and was helped with her issues.

FE

Jul 2026
Muirwood was a lifesaving experience for my daughter, who struggles with both mental health and substance abuse issues. After years of IOP, PHP, CBT and DBT therapy and rehab approaches, Muirwood provided her with help through a holistic approach to her struggles.

HL

Jul 2026
This program was really wonderful for our daughter and our family in general. We love the parent classes and parent support group. Liana loved most of the staff and made some great friends with other girls in the program. The communication is excellent from staff to parents.

IG

Jul 2026
Staff and program were a really good impact for our daughter’s health

ON

Jul 2026
Highly recommended this place for your lover, especially when they need the BEST help, support and care for their loved ones and they’re always looking for the perfect treatment and support not just for their issues but also they help with school work and always have a great therapist (Alex)…

RW

Jul 2026