There are moments in life that we can look back on and know, without question, that they changed us in some way. Some of those memories bring a sense of warmth or nostalgia, especially if they shaped who we are for the better. But not every life-changing moment feels this way. Some experiences are too painful to revisit or too deeply ingrained to simply move past. When these types of reactions happen, it may be a sign that the events that caused them were traumatic.
If you or a loved one is struggling to move past the effects of trauma, there is guidance and treatment out there to help. Trauma inpatient treatment provides 24/7 care and compassionate support designed to help you heal and recover.
This page can also help you understand the ins and outs of residential trauma recovery programs by exploring:
As a result of trauma, the mind can stay in a state of alert, replaying moments or reacting to reminders of the event(s) long after the danger has passed. These responses are the mind’s way of trying to process something that felt too much to handle at the time.2
Trauma comes in several distinct forms, each affecting people in different ways depending on their experiences and environment. Below, we take a closer look at the main types of trauma:
In the US, around 60–61% of men and 51% of women have experienced at least one acute traumatic event in their lifetime.3
Chronic trauma develops from continued exposure to distress or violence, such as ongoing abuse or living in a harmful environment. This prolonged strain can alter how a person experiences safety and trust, even long after the threat has ended.
According to studies, roughly 41% of women and 26% of men have experienced intimate partner violence,4 and over 37% of children experience a physical assault each year.5 Both of these forms of violence can be classed as “traumatic events,” showing just how prevalent chronic trauma can be.
Research, sadly, shows that about two-thirds of American adults report at least one form of serious childhood trauma, and 17% have faced four or more.6
If you tried to summarize the negative impacts of trauma in one sentence, you’d find it nearly impossible. A quick look through any medical or psychological textbook shows just how extensive the list of potential outcomes really is. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most challenging effects of trauma, though these examples only begin to reveal the full picture.
PTSD is one of the most publicly recognized consequences of trauma and can occur after witnessing a distressing event, like an assault or combat.
PTSD has many links to many adverse effects, but some of the most commonly seen symptoms are:7
Intrusive memories
Mental Health Issues
Beyond PTSD, trauma can also influence how the mind copes with stress more broadly. For example, many survivors experience depression and anxiety, conditions that may further complicate recovery and can limit engagement with everyday life.
One meta-analysis found that depression affected 28.9% and anxiety 30.7% of people exposed to trauma.9 Plus, when mental health begins to decline, the body’s stress response can become overactive, which connects directly to the next major outcome.
Hyperarousal
Hyperarousal keeps the body on high alert, often making rest and relaxation feel impossible. Sleep usually becomes disrupted, followed by irritability and a lack of concentration, which leaves a person almost trapped in “survival mode.” Research shows that around 70% of people living with PTSD fall into this hyperarousal subtype.10
This constant activation of the body’s threat system can then also begin to strain physical health and cognitive functioning.
Flashbacks
Many survivors of trauma experience something known as “flashbacks,” which is where the person will re-live the memories of the trauma. These flashbacks are difficult to control and can seem to strike at any moment, making the worry of experiencing them again just as strong as reliving the traumatic experience.
Flashbacks are not a rare side effect, either, with one trauma service study finding that nearly half of patients reported such re-experiencing.11
When you group some of these main outcomes of trauma together, it’s possible to understand why inpatient care for trauma and stress disorders is often so vital.
We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.
If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help.
Choosing between outpatient and inpatient treatment depends on how deeply trauma is affecting your daily life. Outpatient treatment allows you to stay at home and attend therapy sessions at set times, which can work well if your symptoms are mild and your surroundings feel safe. It offers flexibility and familiarity, but it may not always provide the level of stability needed for full emotional recovery.
For those dealing with more severe trauma, inpatient trauma therapy programs offer a structured and secure environment designed to help you begin healing without the constant pull of daily stressors. When trauma creates risk for your safety or the safety of those around you, residential trauma recovery programs provide a safety-based approach that focuses on protection and emotional grounding while therapy takes place.
Being in a space devoted entirely to recovery allows your mind to rest and your body to start letting go of tension built up through years of hypervigilance. Trauma recovery inpatient mental health care removes you from hidden triggers that may be prolonging symptoms and keeps you supported every step of the way.
We understand that the thought of entering a program for trauma can feel daunting, especially if it requires leaving your comfort zone for a period of time. But trauma inpatient treatment is designed to be a grounding and restorative experience; a place where understanding and healing from trauma come together.
We also know how unsettling it can feel not knowing what lies ahead, which is why we’ve made it a priority to clearly explain how our trauma treatment structure works. Once you get an idea of what to expect, the process can start to feel less intimidating and more like the beginning of a journey toward recovery.
Here’s how trauma inpatient treatment works:
Your experience begins with an open conversation where you can share what’s been happening and how trauma has affected your life. This first step aims to give our team a deeper sense of your needs and whether there may be any co-occurring issues alongside your trauma. A detailed assessment then takes place, allowing us to identify any triggers present and related emotional patterns that may be influencing your well-being.
After assessment, we’ll create a tailored plan that reflects your goals and personal challenges. This plan acts as your guide through treatment, helping you understand how each stage fits together and why it matters. Within our residential trauma therapy inpatient care, this structure offers clarity and a sense of safety as you progress through recovery.
Our therapy approach blends a mix of individual therapy and educational sessions, each designed to help you explore your past and build emotional strength. You’ll work with therapists who specialize in trauma recovery, helping you address both the emotional and physical symptoms that can follow traumatic events. This part of the treatment can be one of the most transforming aspects, with many of our clients learning the tools they need to overcome trauma in their lives.
Throughout your stay, our team remains closely connected to your progress, adapting your care whenever needed to make sure you feel supported. When it’s time to leave, we’ll help you plan the next phase of your recovery through aftercare and continued therapy options. This approach ensures that what begins here continues to grow long after you return home. There’s also the safety net of ongoing treatment to re-evaluate any coping methods that may need to be tweaked or updated later down the line.
Yes! Confidential and free mental health assessments can help you understand the severity of your trauma symptoms, and which treatment options would be a good fit for you. A Mission For Michael provides free trauma assessments for those who are experiencing a range of mental health symptoms.
A key benefit to our AMFM assessments is that you’ll speak with qualified health professionals. Some of the free assessments available online are generic screeners and tools that are not reviewed by professionals, which makes the results vague. Call us today to begin your free assessment today.
Many people assume recovery from trauma simply means waiting for time to heal. While time can soften the edges in some cases, it often rarely reaches the emotional wounds beneath. Therapy, on the other hand, helps you begin to understand and heal what the trauma left behind.
Within our inpatient trauma therapy programs, each step is guided with care, helping you uncover what’s causing pain and begin the process of lasting recovery. Here’s a look at just some of the therapies for trauma we use:
Research shows TF-CBT produces significant improvements in PTSD symptoms and other mental health issues compared with control treatments.12 Because it focuses directly on the trauma itself, it remains one of the most widely used therapies within our residential mental health treatment trauma recovery approach.
Further, a clinical trial found DBT-PTSD led to greater PTSD symptom reduction and fewer drop-outs than conventional trauma therapy,13 which is why it finds a place in our trauma recovery programs.
Studies show EMDR works as effectively as trauma-focused CBT, producing reductions in anxiety and depression that resulted from trauma.14 In other words, EMDR can provide a safe route to peace when talking about trauma feels too painful.
A meta-analysis found that prolonged exposure produced strong and lasting improvements in PTSD symptoms, outperforming control treatments.15 By facing what once felt unbearable, surrounded by a supportive environment, the aim is to reclaim the power over the past and move forward with confidence.
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Trauma support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.
See our residences in Southern California’s Orange County & San Diego County.
Take a look at our homes on the east side of the Metro area in Washington County.
View our facilities in Fairfax County, VA within the DC metro area.
Living with trauma can be overwhelming to deal with alone, but with the right care, recovery is possible.
AMFM’s inpatient trauma mental health support provides a peaceful and structured setting where genuine healing can take place. Our experienced clinicians and therapists work closely with you to address the causes of trauma while helping you rebuild emotional stability at a steady pace.
Through our trauma disorder stabilization inpatient programs, you’ll have the space to recover in surroundings that focus on safety and understanding. Each part of our residential trauma therapy inpatient care is guided by compassion, allowing you to process painful memories and rediscover confidence in everyday life.
We believe that recovery begins when you feel understood and supported, so if trauma has made it difficult to stay grounded or move forward, reach out to us today. We’ll help you take the first step toward balance and lasting recovery.
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