RESIDENTIAL TRAUMA TREATMENT PROGRAMS IN TENNESSEE

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Trauma and PTSD Treatment in Tennessee

Our outpatient and residential trauma treatment programs in Tennessee help clients manage the symptoms of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This includes talking about the traumatic experiences in a safe and secure environment as well as healing the mind-body connection affected by trauma.

What Is PTSD?

Those who experience one or more traumas may develop post-traumatic stress disorder, categorized as an anxiety disorder. Components of the trauma trigger the same fearful reaction or fight-or-flight response present at the time of the original traumatic event.

About 6% of Adults Will Have PTSD in Their Lifetime

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “In the general population, 6 out of every 100 adults (or 6%) will have PTSD in their lifetime.”

However, veterans have a slightly higher percentage of cases than the general population. According to the VA, about 7% of veterans will develop the disorder. Furthermore, PTSD is more common among female veterans (13%) than male veterans (6%).

More on PTSD + Veterans:

• Military PTSD and Domestic Violence: Challenges and Solutions for Families in Tennessee
• Navigating Military PTSD and Relationships in Tennessee: Challenges and Resources

Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

Risk factors and exposure to trauma(s) are significant factors in diagnosing PTSD. Avoidance, arousal, reactivity, and re-experiencing factors connected to the trauma can be significant in a diagnosis. Those with PTSD find it challenging to control the following cognitions and behaviors.

Before an individual can receive the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, the following requirements must be present for at least one month:

• A minimum of one re-experiencing symptom
• A minimum of one avoidance symptom
• The minimum of two arousal and reactivity symptoms
• The minimum of two cognition and mood symptoms

Recommended: Signs of PTSD in Women

Specific Symptoms of PTSD Explained

Re-experiencing symptoms can include any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Dealing with flashbacks that relive the trauma and include the experience of physical symptoms of extreme fear
• Recurring memories, dreams, and thoughts with a connection to the trauma
• Uncontrollable upsetting or distressing thoughts
• Continual physical symptoms of stress

Reminders of a traumatic event, such as words, objects, or situations triggering uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, can initiate avoidance behaviors. This is an example of how PTSD can significantly affect daily life. Intense fearful thoughts force patients to change their routines to avoid any reminders of the trauma.

Lastly, avoidance behaviors can escalate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental conditions.

Avoidance symptoms can include:

• Staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the traumatic experience
• Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event

Continued heightened anxiety can make individuals feel overly sensitive and responsive to their environment. Hyperarousal describes this intensely sensitive state. The feelings of hyperarousal are continual and often escalate to extreme stress and anger. Again, these signs and symptoms of PTSD interfere with fundamental factors of daily life, such as sleeping, eating, and concentration.

Arousal and reactivity symptoms can include any of the following behaviors associated with PTSD:

• Constant difficulties with focus and concentration
• Feeling extreme tension, guarded or on edge causing a strong startle effect
• Sleep disturbances
• Feelings of irritability, anger, and aggression
• Behavior that is risky, reckless or destructive

Feelings of detachment can worsen after a trauma, leading to isolation and withdrawal. Thoughts and moods can be volatile and uncontrollable, leading to desperation, depression, and anxiety.

Our outpatient and residential trauma treatment in Tennessee can help to identify and recognize individual signs and symptoms.

Cognition and mood symptoms can include any of the following:

• Difficulty recalling significant elements of the trauma
• Obsessive negativity towards oneself or the world
• Irrational exaggerations including blaming oneself or others
• Continual feelings of fear, anger, guilt, or shame
• An inability to feel joy or happiness in life
• Social isolation and withdrawal

Recommended: Signs of Emotional Trauma in Adults

What Are the Risk Factors of Developing PTSD?

Understanding the significant factors contributing to the condition’s development can help manage long-term symptoms. There are three types of PTSD:

1. Acute: Single and sudden traumatic event that results in immediate consequences, such a car accident.
2. Chronic: Series of traumatic experiences or prolonged exposure to trauma, for instance, child abuse.
3. Complex: Involves chronic and acute traumatic experiences that continue for the long-term.

In addition, those who witness someone else’s trauma can also develop symptoms. Examples include witnessing spousal abuse during childhood or seeing another person suffer a significant injury.

The following risk factors increase the probability of developing PTSD:

• Previous exposure to traumatic experiences, especially during childhood
• Experiencing being injured or witnessing other people being hurt or dying
• Feeling intense horror and extreme fear while completely helpless
• Experiencing a trauma with no support system in place
• Loss of a loved one, job, or home and extended periods of stress
• A family history of mental disorders or substance use disorders
• Experience of physical, sexual, or mental abuse
• Childhood neglect
• Military events or gun violence
• Natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes, or hurricanes
• Long-term severe illness
• Extreme motor vehicle accidents

The Effects of Traumatic Events on Mental Health

Traumatic events produce recurring images, feelings, and thoughts in the minds of those who experience them and trigger unpleasant symptoms. The symptoms of PTSD can have challenging and adverse effects on every aspect of life. Fortunately, researchers have found effective and evidence-based therapies to manage this mental condition.

Traumatic events elicit intense feelings of fear to initiate the fight-or-flight response in the body. The fight-or-flight response is a defensive reaction that assists in avoiding or responding to danger or trauma. Anyone who experiences trauma may continue to have high stress and a fearful disposition throughout everyday life.

Ultimately, triggers that are reminders of aspects of the trauma produce the intense symptoms of PTSD.

How Is PTSD & Trauma Treated in Tennessee?

Our Tennessee trauma treatment programs offer encouragement in managing the symptoms of PTSD. An experienced mental health professional can assess to make the correct diagnosis and design a treatment plan. A combination of psychotherapy and medications is a practical choice.

Recognizing and diagnosing co-occurring mental disorders is necessary for a successful recovery and must be added to the treatment plan.

Evidence-based therapies utilize specific techniques to learn how to identify triggers and manage challenging emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Comprehensive treatment plans include psychotherapy to include the patient and their support system. Depending upon the severity of the disorder, treatment times will vary.

The following therapies are typically effective for treating PTSD:

• Medication Management: Psychiatric medications help to relieve symptoms of PTSD. Depending on the person’s symptoms and any co-occurring disorders, these medications can include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medications, or antidepressants.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common types of therapies, which treats a variety of mental health disorders. During CBT, clients learn how their thoughts and beliefs influence their moods and behaviors.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) helps clients in four main areas: (1) emotion regulation, (2) distress tolerance, (3) interpersonal effectiveness, and (4) mindfulness.
• EMDR Therapy: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an innovative technique to help clients heal from traumatic experiences. This type of therapy includes going through various phases as the client discusses their trauma within a safe and healing environment.
• Biofeedback Therapy: Biofeedback involves measuring bodily responses to give real-time feedback on stress and anxiety levels. That way, clients can understand what triggers their stress responses and work on coping skills to manage these stressors.
• Red Light Therapy: Red light therapy can help to reduce stress and increase feelings of wellness throughout the body. This can be a relief for those with PTSD, as they often struggle to regulate stress and negative emotions.
• Alternative Therapies: Alternative therapies involve getting out of the therapist’s office and engaging in activities. These approaches include outdoor activities, art and music therapy, equine therapy, and other alternative approaches.
• Life Skills: PTSD and trauma impact a person’s ability to engage in activities of daily living, such as maintaining a clean home, obtaining employment, and raising a family. Life skills education helps clients build these essential skills within a therapeutic environment.
• Yoga and Mindfulness Therapy: Yoga and mindfulness can teach clients healthy ways to manage stress. In addition, many people experience trauma in their body, so the movements of yoga can restore wellness within the body.
• Art Therapy: Art therapy can help clients express their emotions when they can’t find the words. This can also help clients develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress and trauma triggers.
• Music Therapy: Music therapy includes performing music, listening to music, or analyzing songs. Clients benefit from having an alternative form of expression for challenging emotions.
• Trauma Therapy: Trauma therapy specializes in managing the symptoms of trauma. This usually includes several types of treatments, such as psychotherapy, EMDR therapy, and holistic approaches.
• FLOAT Tank Therapy: The FLOAT tank is a sensory deprivation tank that can help clients relax and reduce stress. FLOAT tank sessions can also improve sleep, enhance creativity, and relieve pain.
• Biosound Therapy: Biosound therapy includes relaxing in a vibrating bed while listening to binaural audio. This can help clients relieve stress and relax while promoting feelings of well-being throughout the body.
• Family Program: Mental health disorders like trauma and PTSD can impact the entire family. During our family program, clients can rebuild relationships with family members as well as improve communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Alpha-Stim: Alpha-stim involves using a medical device to provide cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES). This is a non-invasive approach to treating symptoms related to trauma like anxiety and depression.
• Experiential Therapy: Experimental therapy includes activities that involve the whole-person in recovery.
• BrainTap: BrainTap mimics the patterns that a person’s brain follows when they meditate deeply.

Medications in combination with psychotherapy can be effective for the initial management of intense symptoms. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to treat PTSD. The medication decision comes from a healthcare provider working directly with a mental health professional.

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The Benefits of Residential Trauma Treatment in Tennessee

Seeking inpatient trauma therapy is a vital decision for those struggling with the overwhelming symptoms of PTSD. Taking two steps forward in recovery and five steps backward when triggers occur can feel self-defeating and negatively impact life.

Our treatment for PTSD reframes the trauma, builds a strong foundation for recovery, and allows healing to begin. While personally healing, patients can also work to rebuild relationships during our residential treatment for trauma.

Our residential facility offers many options and combinations of therapy options for a successful recovery from PTSD and trauma. Around-the-clock care is available to address vulnerabilities with the team, leading to a more supportive environment. Aftercare and additional unique treatment options can address individual concerns and needs.

Trauma & PTSD Treatment Programs in Tennessee

Residential Program

Our residential treatment programs for trauma in Tennessee begins with meeting the care team and reviewing your program. Enjoy each day of a journey to realize how a healthy body and mind can be the foundation for a successful future. This PTSD inpatient treatment​ is our recommendation for those with severe symptoms or suicidal behaviors.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

A step-down level of care could be an option after completing specific goals in the residential program. In some cases, it could be a step up. Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) provides care in the mental health center three to five days a week for several hours a day.

Intensive Outpatient

An alternative treatment method can be a successful therapy option for many people. This treatment is more extended, but our intensive outpatient program (IOP) requires three days a week and three hours daily. IOPs allow people to live at home, continue to work, or care for their families during treatment.

Outpatient Program

A solid program that includes several options for evidence-based therapies in a clinical setting. Outpatient care is a flexible treatment program that allows you to stay home or in a supportive living program during treatment.

Supportive Housing

A supportive living environment shared with a community of residents with similar goals live together in group housing. Offering immediate access to clinical and peer support, this type of group housing can be an invaluable asset in the treatment plan.

Virtual Treatment

Virtual treatment and telehealth options provide treatment for those who can’t attend in-person programs. If it’s difficult for you to access the treatment you need, virtual options can help.