Trauma

Trauma can have a profound impact on mental and emotional health, often lingering long after the event. At Altura Mental Health, we provide compassionate and evidence-based therapies to help you heal and move forward.

An estimated 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced a traumatic event at least once in their lives, and 20% of those develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Early and effective treatment is crucial for recovery.

Understanding Trauma

What is Trauma?

Trauma is not just a single event; it’s the emotional and psychological response to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. It can stem from various events like accidents, natural disasters, violence, abuse, or any situation that overwhelms your ability to cope. Trauma affects each person differently and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to experience it. Some common emotional responses include feelings of helplessness, shame, guilt, or grief.

While a natural response to protect you from further harm, trauma can leave lasting emotional scars that affect your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It can disrupt sleep, trigger flashbacks or nightmares, and lead to persistent feelings of fear, anxiety, and anger. Physical symptoms like headaches, digestive problems, and fatigue can also manifest. In some cases, trauma can even develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Although trauma can be deeply painful, healing is possible. At Altura Mental Health, we offer a compassionate and supportive environment where you can safely explore your experiences, learn coping mechanisms, and rediscover your resilience. You are not alone in this journey, and our team of experienced professionals is here to guide you towards recovery and a brighter future. If you’re experiencing the effects of trauma, please know that help is available.

Types of Trauma

Single Event Impact

Acute Trauma

This type of trauma results from a single, isolated event, such as a car accident, natural disaster, or violent assault. While the event itself may be over, the emotional and psychological consequences can linger, causing distress and impacting daily life.

Repeated Exposure

Chronic Trauma

This refers to repeated and prolonged exposure to traumatic events, such as ongoing abuse, domestic violence, or living in a war zone. The cumulative effect of these experiences can lead to complex trauma responses and deep-seated emotional wounds.

Multiple Trauma

Complex Trauma

Often stemming from childhood experiences, complex trauma involves exposure to multiple or prolonged traumatic events, frequently interpersonal in nature. This can include abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence, which can profoundly affect development and relationships later in life.

Indirect Impact

Secondary or Vicarious Trauma

Even if you haven’t directly experienced a traumatic event, you can still be affected by hearing about or witnessing the trauma of others. This is known as secondary or vicarious trauma, and it can lead to similar symptoms as those who directly experienced the event.

Use Your Insurance

Prevalence and Impact

Statistics About Trauma

If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call the San Diego Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240.

Trauma Prevalence

Trauma is a prevalent issue in Southern California, with data suggesting that a significant portion of residents in San Diego County have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. In fact, local emergency departments report a substantial number of trauma cases each year, often resulting from accidents, violence, or other distressing events.

Secondary Trauma

Beyond individual trauma, it’s important to recognize that many individuals in San Diego also experience secondary trauma. This can affect loved ones of trauma survivors, first responders, healthcare professionals, and others who witness or hear about traumatic events. The impact of trauma ripples through families and communities, underscoring the need for accessible and comprehensive mental health support.

While these statistics might seem alarming, there is hope. Effective trauma treatment options are available, and recovery is possible. At Altura Mental Health, we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for trauma survivors and those indirectly affected by it. If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma, please reach out to us or other local resources for support.

How is Trauma Diagnosed?

Diagnosing trauma involves a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional, typically a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist specializing in trauma. This process is designed to understand your unique experiences, symptoms, and how trauma has impacted your life.

Here’s a general overview of the diagnostic process:

Initial Consultation

The first step is an in-depth discussion about your history, including any traumatic events you've experienced, your current symptoms, and how these experiences have affected your life. This helps the clinician gain a comprehensive understanding of your situation.

Symptom Assessment

The clinician will assess your specific symptoms, which can vary widely depending on the type of trauma and individual experiences. They may use standardized questionnaires or interviews to gather information about your emotional, behavioral, and physical responses to trauma. Common symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and physical ailments.

Differential Diagnosis

In some cases, additional evaluations may be needed to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms, such as medical conditions or other mental health disorders. This ensures that the diagnosis is accurate and that you receive the most appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

Based on the gathered information, the clinician will determine if your symptoms meet the criteria for a trauma-related diagnosis, such as PTSD. If a diagnosis is made, they will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

It’s important to remember that diagnosis is not a label; it’s a starting point for understanding your experience and finding effective treatment. At Altura Mental Health, our compassionate professionals are committed to creating a safe and supportive space for you to explore your trauma and begin your journey towards healing.

How Does Altura Treat Trauma?

At Altura Mental Health, we understand that healing from trauma is a journey, not a destination. Our approach to trauma treatment is comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based, designed to address your unique needs and foster long-term recovery.

Our Approach

Individualized Treatment Plans

We recognize that every individual’s experience with trauma is different. That’s why we create personalized treatment plans that address your specific needs, challenges, and goals.

Trauma-Focused Therapies

We utilize a range of evidence-based therapies that have proven effective in treating trauma, such as:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):

This innovative therapy helps process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional intensity.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may have developed as a result of trauma.
Prolonged Exposure (PE)

PE involves gradually confronting traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment to reduce fear and anxiety.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

This therapy is specifically designed for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.

Holistic Therapies

In addition to traditional therapies, we offer holistic approaches that can complement your treatment and promote overall well-being. These may include:

Mindfulness and Meditation

These practices help you develop greater awareness of your thoughts and emotions, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Yoga and Movement Therapy

Gentle movement and physical activities can help release tension and promote emotional regulation.
Art and Music Therapy

Creative expression can provide a safe outlet for processing emotions and exploring your experiences in a non-verbal way.

Group Therapy

Connecting with others who have experienced trauma can be incredibly empowering. Our group therapy sessions provide a supportive space to share experiences, learn from others, and develop a sense of community.

Medication Management (if needed)

In some cases, medication may be recommended to help manage symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances. Our psychiatrists work closely with you to determine the most appropriate medication options.

Benefits of Altura's Trauma Treatment Programs

Reduced Symptoms

Our comprehensive approach helps reduce the intensity and frequency of trauma-related symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.

Improved Coping Skills

You’ll learn healthy coping mechanisms to manage triggers and emotional distress, empowering you to navigate challenging situations with greater resilience.

Increased Self-Awareness

Therapy helps you gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, enabling you to make positive changes and build a stronger sense of self.

Enhanced Relationships

By addressing the impact of trauma on your relationships, you can develop healthier communication patterns and build stronger connections with loved ones.

Improved Quality of Life

Through healing from trauma, you can experience greater joy, peace, and fulfillment in your daily life.

What Are the Best Therapy Options for Trauma?

At Altura Mental Health, we offer a variety of evidence-based therapies that have been proven effective in helping individuals heal from trauma. These therapies are designed to address the unique needs of each person, providing a path towards recovery and resilience.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a powerful therapy that helps process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional intensity. It involves bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, while focusing on the traumatic memory. This process helps desensitize the memory and allows for new, more adaptive perspectives to emerge.

Prolonged Exposure (PE)

PE involves gradually confronting traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment. By facing the fear associated with the trauma, individuals can reduce anxiety and regain a sense of safety and control.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely recognized therapy that helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may have developed as a result of trauma. By challenging distorted beliefs and developing healthier coping mechanisms, CBT empowers individuals to regain control over their lives and experience greater emotional well-being.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

TF-CBT is specifically designed for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. It combines cognitive and behavioral techniques with trauma-sensitive interventions to help young people process their experiences, develop coping skills, and build resilience.

How Altura Incorporates These Therapies

Our team of experienced therapists at Altura are trained in a variety of trauma-focused therapies, including EMDR,CBT, PE, and TF-CBT. We work collaboratively with each individual to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on their specific needs, preferences, and goals.

In addition to these evidence-based therapies, we also incorporate holistic approaches that can complement traditional treatment and enhance overall well-being. These may include mindfulness practices, yoga, art therapy, and music therapy.

By combining evidence-based therapies with a compassionate and supportive environment, we empower individuals to heal from trauma and build a brighter future.

Person enjoying a car ride with arms outstretched

Anxiety

Building Your Self Confidence

Embark on a transformative journey towards unshakeable self-confidence with evidence-based strategies and practical tips offered by Altura Mental Health. Discover the science behind confidence, debunk

Smiling woman enjoying the breeze with eyes closed

Individual

Occupational Therapy Evaluations

Collaboratively administrate empowered markets via plug-and-play networks. Dynamically procrastinate B2C users after installed base benefits. Dramatically visualize customer directed convergence without revolutionary ROI.

Group of diverse people standing with their arms around each other

Anxiety

Five Benefits of Group Therapy

Discover the healing power of group therapy at Altura Mental Health. Join us for understanding, growth, and lasting change. Explore our evidence-based programs for support

Ready to talk?

Get Answers

FAQs About Trauma Treatment at Altura

At Altura Mental Health, we understand that you may have many questions about trauma and its treatment. This FAQ section aims to provide clear and concise answers to some of the most common questions we receive.

How long does trauma treatment take?

The duration of trauma treatment varies depending on the individual, the type and severity of trauma experienced, and the specific therapies used. Some individuals may experience significant improvement within a few months, while others may require longer-term therapy. Our therapists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan and regularly assess your progress to ensure you’re on track.

Will trauma therapy make me feel worse before I feel better?

It’s not uncommon to experience some emotional discomfort or heightened symptoms during the initial stages of trauma therapy. This is because therapy involves confronting difficult memories and emotions. However, with the support of our compassionate therapists and the use of evidence-based techniques, you can safely process these emotions and gradually experience relief and healing.

Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail to heal?

While talking about your trauma can be an important part of the healing process, it’s not always necessary to recount every detail. Our therapists will work with you at your own pace, using approaches that respect your comfort level and individual needs.

What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't work?

If you’ve had negative experiences with therapy in the past, we encourage you to give it another try. Our therapists are trained in specialized trauma-focused therapies that may be different from what you’ve experienced before. We’re committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable exploring your trauma and working towards recovery.

How do I know if Altura's trauma treatment program is right for me?

The best way to determine if our program is a good fit for you is to schedule a consultation with one of our therapists. During this initial meeting, we’ll discuss your individual needs, answer any questions you have, and help you explore your treatment options.

What types of insurance does Altura accept?

We accept a wide range of insurance plans. Please contact our admissions team to verify your coverage and discuss any financial questions you may have.

Does Altura offer trauma treatment in your PHP, IOP, and VIOP programs?

Yes, we address trauma in all our programs: PHP, IOP, and VIOP. Each program is tailored to the individual’s needs and may include individual therapy, group therapy, and holistic approaches to support healing from trauma.

How do I get started with trauma treatment at Altura?

If you’re ready to take the first step towards healing, we encourage you to contact us today. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you through the intake process.