Living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or the effects of trauma can feel overwhelming and isolating. But if you or someone you love is struggling with trauma and PTSD, you’re not alone. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly one-half of all U.S. adults experience a traumatic event at some point in their lifetimes. Plus, an estimated 3.6% of U.S. adults have experienced PTSD in the past year.1
While these statistics are troubling, help and hope are available. Apex Recovery offers specialized trauma and PTSD treatment centers in Tennessee that provide comprehensive mental health care designed to help you reclaim your life and find healing.
With state-of-the-art PTSD rehab centers near Nashville, TN, Apex Recovery offers evidence-based trauma and PTSD inpatient treatment as well as outpatient programs. Our expert team of mental health professionals understands the complex nature of trauma and provides personalized care tailored to your unique needs. To learn more about PTSD rehab in Tennessee with Apex Recovery, please contact our admissions team at (877) 881-2689.
What is PTSD and Trauma?
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a medical condition characterized by the uncontrolled use of substances such as alcohol, drugs, or medications even though there are harmful consequences. It affects the brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control usage, cravings, and a compulsion to seek the substance.
Symptoms include increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and neglect of responsibilities. SUD can result in physical, psychological, and social impairments, severely impacting one’s quality of life. Treatment typically involves a combination of medical intervention, counseling, and behavioral therapies. Early detection and comprehensive care are crucial for effective management and recovery, helping you regain control and improve your overall well-being.
Free Addiction Assessment
Schedule a free, confidential assessment with a licensed clinician. Apex Recovery can check your insurance coverage levels for drug and alcohol addiction, and mental health treatment.
What is PTSD and Trauma?
The American Psychiatric Association defines PTSD as a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.2 So PTSD isn’t simply being sad or mildly disturbed about an experienced or witnessed traumatic event. Rather, PTSD (which is also known as “shell shock” or “combat fatigue” within military veterans) is a serious disorder that develops when the natural recovery from trauma is disrupted, leading to persistent symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.
Trauma refers to an emotional response to witnessing or experiencing a deeply troubling event. Often the event involves a situation where someone’s life has been threatened or severe injury has occurred.3 While trauma is a normal reaction to a horrible event, the effects can lead to PTSD, creating a complex web of symptoms that can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves every day—interfering with an individual’s ability to live a normal life. Without proper treatment, these symptoms can persist for months or even years, significantly impacting an individual’s quality of life.
Who is Most Likely to Experience Trauma that Leads to PTSD?
The disorder can develop in practically anyone—from children who suffer the loss of a parent and teenagers who witness a car accident to spouses who experience domestic violence and senior citizens who live through a natural disaster.
When it comes to PTSD, though, some populations are more apt to develop it than others. Among veterans alone, the lifetime prevalence of PTSD is estimated at 8%.4 Along these same lines, first responders have a heightened risk, as up to 30% of those in this field develop behavioral health conditions including PTSD.5 Women, too, have a higher prevalence of PTSD, as studies show that roughly 10% of women develop PTSD compared to 4% of men.6
Trauma & PTSD Treatment in Tennessee
While PTSD symptoms can be alarming and trauma can take a toll on almost every aspect of one’s life, treatment can help you manage these impacts. Apex Recovery’s comprehensive approach to PTSD treatment helps you not only manage your symptoms but also identify and address the root cause of these issues, which is the true path to healing.
While your care is customized to your unique needs, your treatment journey often begins with a thorough comprehensive assessment, where we conduct detailed psychological evaluations and trauma history assessments. This initial phase includes screening for co-occurring disorders (aka dual diagnosis) and a complete physical health examination, allowing us to develop personalized treatment plans with clear, achievable goals.
Our evidence-based therapeutic interventions are built upon three core pillars: individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.
- Individual Therapy—In individual sessions, we employ proven approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Narrative Exposure Therapy. These methods have demonstrated significant effectiveness in treating trauma-related disorders.
- Group Therapy—Another crucial component of our treatment program, group therapy offers trauma-focused groups, skill-building sessions, and peer support networks. Our groups also incorporate psychoeducational components and creative approaches like art and expression therapy, providing multiple pathways for healing and growth.
- Family Therapy—Playing a vital role in recovery, family therapy focuses on educating family members about PTSD while developing essential communication skills. We work to strengthen support systems, facilitate relationship repair, and build conflict resolution skills that benefit both the individual in treatment and their loved ones.
- Please complete and send the form below.
- One of our staff members will contact your insurer to check your coverage.
- We will contact you promptly with the results and to discuss the next steps.
Insurance Verification
"*" indicates required fields
Understanding Types of Trauma & PTSD
Trauma can manifest in various forms—namely acute, chronic, complex, and developmental. Here’s a breakdown of each type along with examples of events that might cause each one.
Regardless of the type of trauma you or your loved one has experienced, various forms of treatment are available. Mental health professionals at Apex Recovery can provide trauma-informed counseling as well as evidence-based therapies—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)—all of which that have helped many individuals process their experiences and heal. These treatments, combined with potential medication options prescribed by healthcare providers, can help manage symptoms.
Acute Trauma
Typically involving a single overwhelming event, acute trauma can lead to immediate, intense reactions. Causes include:3
- Natural disasters
- Car accidents
- Physical assaults
- Sudden loss of a loved one
Chronic Trauma
Chronic trauma involves repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic situations, and it often results in a cumulative psychological impact. Causes of chronic trauma include:1
- Domestic violence
- Combat exposure
- Ongoing abuse
- Chronic illness
Complex Trauma
Characterized by multiple interpersonal traumatic events, complex trauma can significantly impact personality development and relationships. Examples include:7
- Childhood abuse
- Human trafficking
- Prolonged domestic violence
Developmental Trauma
Studies show that roughly 15 to 43% of children experience at least one form of trauma.8 When trauma occurs during a critical growth period—known as developmental trauma—it can affect brain development and emotional regulation.9 Causes of developmental trauma include:3
- Early childhood neglect
- Attachment disruption
- Chronic abuse during formative years
Trauma & PTSD Rehab in Tennessee
Apex Recovery has multiple facilities providing comprehensive treatment for those in need of trauma & PTSD treatment in Tennessee. Locations include Apex Recovery Franklin at 4601 Carothers Pkwy STE 250A, Franklin, TN 37067, and Apex Recovery Columbia with both inpatient and outpatient services at 2710 Trotwood Ave, Suite A, Columbia, TN 38401, United States.
Apex Recovery Franklin
4601 Carothers Pkwy STE 250A
Franklin, TN 37067
Apex Recovery Columbia
2710 Trotwood Ave STE A & B
Columbia, TN 38401
What are the Symptoms of PTSD & Trauma?
Often emerging within 3 months of the onset of the traumatic event, symptoms of PTSD and trauma can be wide-ranging and severe, often involving both physical and mental health and affecting every aspect of daily life.10
The National Institute of Mental Health breaks down symptoms into four main buckets: re-experiencing, avoidance, arousal/reactivity, and cognition/mood.10 While these individual buckets can offer a combination of impacts, let’s discuss them in two broad groups of physical and mental characteristics.
Physical PTSD Symptoms
Re-experiencing Symptoms: These symptoms are typically triggered by thoughts, feelings, objects, or words that are associated with the traumatic event.10
- Recurring memories or dreams related to the event
- Physical signs of stress
- Flashbacks—reliving the traumatic event, including physical symptoms, such as a racing heart or sweating
- Distressing thoughts
Arosal/Reactivity Symptoms: Arousal symptoms, which are often constant, can lead to stress and anger and can interfere with sleeping, eating, concentrating, and more.10
- Having difficulty concentrating, falling asleep, and/or staying asleep
- Experiencing tension and feelings of being on edge and on guard
- Being easily startled
- Engaging in reckless, risky, and/or destructive behaviors
- Demonstrating angry or aggressive outbursts and irritability
Mental PTSD Symptoms
Avoidance Symptoms: Some symptoms cause people to change their routines to avoid a situation, locale, or individual associated with the traumatic event.10
- Pushing away thoughts or feelings
- Avoiding places, events, and objects that are reminders of the event.
Cognition and Mood Symptoms: Mood-related symptoms often lead people to distance themselves from family and friends.10
- Exaggerated feelings of blame directed toward oneself or others
- Negative emotions, such as fear, anger, guilt, or shame
- Trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event
- Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
- Loss of interest in previous activities
- Feelings of social isolation
- Difficulty feeling positive emotions, such as happiness or satisfaction
Levels of Care for PTSD and Trauma Treatment
Apex Recovery offers the aforementioned types of therapy through our PTSD inpatient treatment and outpatient levels of care.
- Inpatient—Our residential trauma treatment program provides comprehensive 24/7 supervised care within a structured environment. Clients receive intensive therapy sessions and medication management when appropriate, and they participate in holistic wellness activities. This immersive approach creates a safe, supportive environment for deep healing work.
- Outpatient—For those who’ve completed an inpatient program or simply require more flexibility in their care, our outpatient treatment program for trauma and PTSD may be a good option. You’ll receive the same high-quality care as our inpatient PTSD programs, just at a lower intensity while allowing you to maintain your work and life commitments. This trauma and PTSD program includes regular progress monitoring and step-down care options, ensuring continuous support throughout the recovery journey.
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment—Dual-diagnosis (aka co-occurring disorder) care—which helps individuals face the complex challenges of managing PTSD and substance use disorders simultaneously—is available via both our residential PTSD treatment program and outpatient care options. Our specialized dual diagnosis treatment program employs an integrated approach that combines addiction counseling with trauma-informed care, incorporating relapse prevention strategies, coping skills development, and support group participation.
Trauma & PTSD Treatment at Apex Recovery
At Apex Recovery, we understand that taking the first step toward mental health treatment can feel overwhelming, which is why our compassionate team is here to guide you through every stage of the process. Whether you’re seeking intensive inpatient care, flexible outpatient services, or specialized dual diagnosis treatment, we’re committed to creating a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs and circumstances.
Our evidence-based approaches, combined with our holistic philosophy of care, have helped countless individuals reclaim their lives. Don’t let another day pass without getting the support you deserve. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Help and healing are one call away.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. (2023). Post-Traumatic Disorder – What is PTSD?
- Wisco BE, Marx BP, Wolf EJ, Miller MW, Southwick SM, Pietrzak RH. Posttraumatic stress disorder in the US veteran population: results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. J Clin Psychiatry. 2014 Dec;75(12):1338-46. doi: 10.4088/JCP.14m09328. PMID: 25551234; PMCID: PMC9040390.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). Disaster Technical Assistance Center Supplemental Research Bulletin. First Responders: Behavioral Health Concerns, Emergency Response, and Trauma.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). PTSD is More Likely in Women Than Men.
- S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). PTSD: National Center for PTSD. PTSD Basics.
- S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). PTSD: National Center for PTSD. How Common is PTSD in Children and Teens?
- De Bellis MD, Zisk A. The biological effects of childhood trauma. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2014 Apr;23(2):185-222, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2014.01.002. Epub 2014 Feb 16. PMID: 24656576; PMCID: PMC3968319.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. What is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD?