Massachusetts PTSD Treatment

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that can develop after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. Many people believe that this condition only affects military veterans, but this is not the case. While PTSD is more common in this demographic, we know more about the condition and how it can affect anyone who goes through trauma.

According to a Massachusetts Behavioral Health Analysis, 12.2-12.9% of veterans in the state have PTSD. Numbers are slightly among veterans than civilians, with 7% of veterans experiencing PTSD in their lifetimes. While PTSD is a complex condition, it can be successfully managed with the right mental health treatment. East Point Behavioral Health, a leading trauma recovery center in Massachusetts, is here to help you find the solutions that work for you. Together, we can help you work through past trauma with comprehensive trauma therapy programs, emerging stronger and more resilient.

Massachusetts PTSD Treatment

blue wave separator graphic

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that can develop after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. Many people believe that this condition only affects military veterans, but this is not the case. While PTSD is more common in this demographic, we know more about the condition and how it can affect anyone who goes through trauma.

According to a Massachusetts Behavioral Health Analysis, 12.2-12.9% of veterans in the state have PTSD. Numbers are slightly among veterans than civilians, with 7% of veterans experiencing PTSD in their lifetimes. While PTSD is a complex condition, it can be successfully managed with the right mental health treatment. East Point Behavioral Health, a leading trauma recovery center in Massachusetts, is here to help you find the solutions that work for you. Together, we can help you work through past trauma with comprehensive trauma therapy programs, emerging stronger and more resilient.

Young army, veteran or soldier person on therapist couch for mental health, consultation or help
Female psychologist talking to young man during session.
Diverse people in a support group

Do I Qualify for Intensive Outpatient Services in Massachusetts?

At East Point Behavioral Health, we provide personalized mental health care in Massachusetts for adults aged 18 and older. Our Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) are ideal for those stepping down from inpatient hospitalization or seeking more structured support than traditional outpatient care. With a focus on immediate intervention and compassionate treatment, we ensure you receive the help you need when you need it most. Contact us today to take the first step toward mental health recovery.

A group of people sitting in a circle with two therapists and a woman in the center discussing and providing emotional support for her The focus is on the woman but everyone is engaged in conversation

What Is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person witnesses or experiences a traumatic event. These events may include accidents, natural disasters, physical or sexual assault, military combat, the sudden loss of a loved one, or any other life-threatening event. PTSD affects a person’s ability to function normally in their everyday life, as the condition causes intense distress, recurring memories, and avoidance behaviors.

It’s normal to have an emotional response after suffering a stressful event. However, PTSD manifests differently. It’s a severe disorder, with symptoms lasting at least one month and interfering with work, school, and relationships. With regular trauma, the symptoms subside over time, until you eventually start to feel normal again. It’s also important to point out that the symptoms of PTSD do not have to start immediately after the traumatic event. It can take weeks, months, or even years after the event to develop symptoms.

Why Does PTSD Happen to Some People and Not Others?

Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop post-traumatic stress disorder. This variability is due to a number of factors—genetic, psychological, social, and environmental. For example, certain genes might make you more susceptible to PTSD, suggesting an inheritable component. Your brain’s response to stress can also make a difference.

More intense and prolonged traumatic experiences, such as ongoing abuse, are also more likely to lead to PTSD. Other factors that can make you more likely to develop the condition are underlying mental health disorders, specific personality traits, a lack of social support, poor coping mechanisms, and low stress tolerance. However, many people are unaware if they are more susceptible to PTSD or not, and they don’t learn of this until they experience something stressful.

The Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

There are many different symptoms that occur with post-traumatic stress disorder, though they typically fall into the following categories:

  • Intrusive memories. Intrusive memories include flashbacks, nightmares, distressing thoughts or images, and emotional or physical reactions to triggers. Reliving traumatic events can feel like the event is happening all over again. It’s this “realness” that makes these symptoms crippling.
  • Avoidance behaviors include staying away from certain people, places, and things so that you are not reminded of the trauma. This can lead to social isolation and significant lifestyle restrictions.
  • Negative changes in thought or mood. It’s difficult to keep a positive mindset when you’re dealing with intrusive flashbacks and nightmares. As a result, people with PTSD often develop feelings of hopelessness, have trouble feeling positive emotions, and have negative beliefs of themselves and the world.
  • Hyperarousal and reactivity. Irritability, constantly feeling “on guard,” trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, and hypervigilance are also common with PTSD. This can result in anger and aggression toward others, negatively impacting relationships.
  • Additional symptoms. Many people with PTSD feel guilt or shame about the trauma and may engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as substance use or reckless driving, to cope with their distress.
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How We Treat PTSD in Massachusetts

No matter how complex or intense your symptoms are, our mental health treatment for PTSD symptoms is designed to address them. The goals of trauma recovery programs include reducing symptoms, improving daily functioning, and helping you better cope with trauma. There are many different therapies that can treat PTSD, and our mental health professionals can help you find a combination that works for you.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a core element of our comprehensive trauma therapy programs and is hugely beneficial for individuals with PTSD. It helps clients process and recover from trauma while challenging unhelpful beliefs, such as ‘The world is an unsafe place.’ These beliefs can keep you stuck in a cycle of fear. CPT aims to challenge these thoughts and beliefs and replace them with healthier, balanced ones.

PE is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps people confront and process traumatic memories in a safe, controlled environment. The goal is to reduce the power and emotional impact of trauma-related memories and triggers, ultimately decreasing PTSD symptoms and helping individuals reclaim their lives.

EMDR is another evidence-based therapy designed to address and relieve the symptoms of PTSD. The theory behind EMDR is that traumatic memories get “stuck” in our brains in an unprocessed form. The stuck memories then cause symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional distress. EMDR helps process these memories, integrating them into the brain’s natural memory networks so that they no longer cause distress.

For some people, talking about their trauma isn’t enough to fully release it from their bodies. In this case, trauma-sensitive yoga can be hugely impactful. This therapeutic approach is sensitive to the unique needs of trauma survivors, focusing on creating a safe, non-judgmental, and empowering environment. Trauma-sensitive yoga believes that when people reconnect with their bodies, they gain a sense of control, reduce trauma-related symptoms, and recover from trauma.

Medications may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of PTSD, especially if you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances. The medications that can help with these symptoms include antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. East Point Behavioral Health will monitor your medications to ensure they are working alongside therapy.

Group therapy allows individuals with PTSD to come together and support one another. Under the guidance of a trained therapist, individuals share, support, and work through their experiences in a safe, structured environment. Many people with PTSD feel isolated and misunderstood, and group therapy can help alleviate these feelings by connecting them with others who have had similar experiences.

Why Intensive Outpatient Services Help PTSD Treatment

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Since PTSD benefits from a wide range of therapeutic interventions, our trauma recovery center offers Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS), an effective option for personalized treatment. You can receive all of the treatments you need in one convenient program, while having the freedom to live at home and maintain your normal schedule. Here are the reasons why IOS is beneficial for treating PTSD:

Individualized Treatment Plans

When you come to our treatment center in Massachusetts, you can expect highly individualized attention that starts with a full assessment. Our mental health professionals will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and personal history, and we will put together a treatment plan that helps you reach your goals. Most people are looking to reduce their symptoms, process their trauma, and rebuild their life, and we can help with all of this. You will also be working with one treatment team, ensuring consistent and seamless care.

Flexible Environment

IOS is flexible, fitting into any schedule so that you don’t have to take a leave of absence from work, school, or family. You can remain closely connected to your support network—even involving them in your care through family therapy—and maintain your own responsibilities. The flexible nature of our program is designed to reduce overwhelm and get more people the help they need.
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Visit Our Trauma Treatment Center in Massachusetts

Are you ready to rebuild your life following trauma? Whether you experienced one traumatic event or are the survivor of ongoing trauma, East Point Behavioral Health, a trusted trauma recovery center provides PTSD and trauma treatment to Massachusetts residents statewide. Contact us today to begin your path to recovery.

We have various treatment modalities to explore, allowing you to take control of your recovery at a pace that’s right for you. As you work on healing, you will be supported by our caring, compassionate staff. Reach out to us today to start your journey to trauma recovery.