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Acute Stress Disorder Treatment, Therapy and Counseling Program

A MISSION FOR MICHAEL

17 minutes read
group therapy appointment, patients talking to eachother.

Find out about our free assessments and admissions process

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. 

Mental health disorders can come with a variety of symptoms, intensities, and effects. It’s because of personal differences that you can find a continuum of treatment options designed to support those with particular symptoms and levels of impairment. A Mission For Michael (AMFM) offer residential treatment for those experiencing moderate to severe mental health conditions in California, Washington, and Virginia.

At AMFM mental health treatment centers, we provide treatment for a range of mental health conditions including mood disorder, acute stress disorder, and dual diagnosis conditions. We provide a delicate blend of evidence-based and holistic treatment options within our treatment centers, to ensure you receive personalized care. Let’s take some time to review acute disorder symptoms, and how they can affect your everyday life. This can help you understand the severity of your symptoms, and gain insight into available treatment options.

What is Acute Stress Disorder?

Acute stress disorder is a trauma-related disorder that can develop within one month of a traumatic event. While this condition does have similarities with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the key difference between the two is the duration of symptoms. Acute stress disorder symptoms can last anywhere from days, to four weeks.

Some of the more common symptoms associated with this mental health condition is flashbacks, dissociation, hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors. It is possible for those living with acute stress disorder to develop PTSD if their symptoms last longer than four weeks.

Acute stress disorder is a stress response that can have a few different presentations. Sympathetic acute stress disorder is known to provide temporary relief from physical pain so that you can remove, or get away, from the trauma. This can also make it challenging to properly diagnoses physical injuries and illnesses because symptoms are temporarily masked or reduced.

Parasympathetic acute stress disorder can lead to nausea and feeling as though you’re going to faint. In numerous instances, this occurs when acetylcholine is released after seeing blood. This natural reaction slows your heart rate.

Additionally, there are four clusters of symptoms commonly associated with acute stress disorder, including:

  • Intrusion symptom cluster – Can cause flashbacks, distressing dreams and memories, and prolonged psychological distress
  • Negative mood cluster – Can lead to a continued inability to feel positive emotions
  • Avoidance symptom cluster- You may actively avoid distressing triggers or external reminders
  • Arousal symptom cluster- This commonly include hypervigilance, poor concentration, anger, sleep disturbances, and irritability.

You can experience an acute trauma reaction in a number of situations. The most common would be experiencing, or witnessing, a trauma. This can include natural disasters, assault, verbal abuse, serious accidents, and war. Situations that create an overwhelming sense of fear, helplessness, or horror can also trigger an early trauma response.

Additionally, those who experience significant losses can experience emotional shock. This can include the death of a loved one, or even facing your own mortality with a severe injury or illness.

As we noted above, the common symptoms associated with acute stress disorder can look different for everyone. This includes the particular symptoms that you experience, their severity, and the impact they have on your life. You can experience physical symptoms of stress, or psychological stress symptoms after a traumatic event.

Common symptoms associated with acute stress disorder include:

  • Emotional numbness or feeling detached from reality
  • Flashbacks or nightmares that feel as though the trauma is happening again
  • Avoidance behaviors regarding reminders of the traumatic event
  • Mood symptoms including anxiety, irritability, or difficulty sleeping
  • Physical symptoms like sweating, palpitations, and muscle tension
  • Hypervigilance, easily startled, and concentrating difficulties
  • Social, work, or personal impairment due to trauma-related symptoms

Acute stress disorder symptoms can have a significant impact on your day-to-day routine, and overall quality of life. It can disrupt your daily routine, especially for those who are experiencing mood changes, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors. Sleep difficulties can lead to low energy, and make concentration difficulties more prominent.

You can experience a range of emotions with acute stress disorder, including shame, guilt, and hopelessness. These feelings may worsen over time, and later develop into PTSD. Individuals who have recently experienced a trauma, are encouraged to seek professional support if they are experiencing any of the symptoms we have mentioned. Your mental health is important, and early intervention can have a significant impact on your overall quality of life in the long-run.

Coping With Acute Stress Disorder?

Finding a treatment center that offers programming for acute stress disorder can help you learn to manage your symptoms effectively, bringing a sense of normalcy to your life. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may require the intensive support of an inpatient treatment center, or the flexibility of an outpatient treatment center.

Within a behavioral health center, you can engage in individual therapy, group therapy, and educational sessions to understand the natural stress response, and the development of your stress-related disorder. This can include the use of evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and grounding techniques. If you would like to learn about how treatment could address your stress-induced symptoms, we encourage you to call us today and inquire about your free assessment from A Mission From Michael Mental Health Treatment Centers.

What is an Acute Stress Disorder Therapy and Treatment Program?

A mental health treatment center offering acute stress disorder therapy can help you learn to manage your stress-induced symptoms. Therapy sessions can focus on helping reduce your anxiety, develop effective coping strategies, and decrease the likelihood of later developing PTSD.

Those struggling with trauma-related disorders often benefit from individual therapy, group therapy, support groups, and educational sessions. In some cases, your treatment provider may review options for acute stress disorder medications. Individuals who receive care in an inpatient therapy clinic may be encouraged to continue with an outpatient recovery center for continued support and encouragement.

What Medications Are Used For Acute Stress Reactions?

Acute stress disorder medications may be used for those who are experiencing intense and overwhelming symptoms. A healthcare facility providing these medications often focuses on short-term symptom management. Depending on your symptoms, this can include the use of antianxiety medications, beta-blockers, and antidepressants.

In most cases, when a treatment center provides these medications, they encourage the use of psychotherapy and other therapeutic interventions. The combination of these approaches can lead to better treatment outcomes.

Are There Confidential and Free Assessment and Evaluations for Acute Stress Disorder Near Me

Acute stress disorder assessments can assess your symptoms and determine the presence of co-occurring disorders and acute stress disorder. This can be an important step for your mental health journey because you can then understand your treatment needs, and which treatment program would be ideal for your symptoms.

A Mission for Michael provides confidential and free mental health assessments for a range of mental health concerns, including trauma-related disorders. Once your assessment is completed, our admission counselors can provide you with valuable insight into which acute stress disorder treatment programs are ideal for you. Call us today to learn more.

Acute Stress Disorder Therapy and Treatment Program Near Me

If you have been struggling with any of the acute stress disorder symptoms that we have talked about, we encourage you to contact A Mission For Michael. We can help you determine which holistic treatment center is a good match for you so that you can receive comprehensive care for your mental health needs. Dial (866)478-4383 today to get started.

Available Treatment Programs for Acute Stress Disorder Near Me

Recovery centers offer treatment programs of varying intensities to meet the individual needs of those they work with. Treatment options can range from inpatient to outpatient care, embracing evidence-based and holistic therapy approaches. Some of the programs you may find in a medical treatment center for stress-induced symptoms include:

Inpatient Residential Treatment for Acute Stress Disorder

A residential treatment facility can provide 24/7 support for those who are experiencing severe cases of acute stress disorder. You will receive intensive therapeutic support in both individual and group therapy sessions. These programs help you stabilize your symptoms and develop coping skills so that you can transition into a less intensive program.

Partial Hospitalization for Acute Stress Disorder

Partial Hospitalization Programming (PHP) can provide you with intensive support during the day, while allowing you to return home in the evenings. Treatment occurs most days of the week, as a full-time treatment program. These programs help you develop coping and life skills needed for recovery, and allow you to use them in your home environment.

Outpatient Program for Acute Stress Disorder

Outpatient treatment for stress-induced programs can very significant. Generally, these are flexible treatment options that can include individual therapy, group therapy, support groups, psychiatric care, or a combination of more than one. You’ll have the opportunity to manage your daily responsibilities like work or school while receiving support for distressing symptoms.

Intensive Outpatient for Acute Stress Disorder

Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP) is another outpatient program that falls below a PHP regarding its intensity. These programs have more flexibility, allowing you to work and manage other responsibilities. Treatment has a large focus on group counseling, and can include individual sessions and psychiatric care for those who require additional support services.

Medication Assisted Treatment for Acute Stress Disorder

Psychiatric care is often available within a residential treatment center and an outpatient treatment center. Medications may be used to help with mood symptoms and stress-induced symptoms. Often, psychiatric care is used in conjunction with psychotherapy, to ensure that you receive whole-person care.

Therapies and Counseling Options Available for Acute Stress Disorder Treatment Near Me

There are several therapies that can be used in mental health treatment centers to address the psychological and physical symptoms of stress disorders. Each of the following approaches has their unique twist on treatment, which can be a good fit for some. Remember that effective treatment programs tailor your treatment because there is no one-size fits all approach.

Treatment and skills training focuses on helping you rebuild daily life skills after experiencing a traumatic event. This can include improving your self-management skills with the use of effective coping skills, stress management skills, and implementing self-care into your routine. Overall, this approach addresses various aspects of your life that can have a positive effect on your recovery.

Transference-Focused Psychotherapy, or TFP, can help you explore and understand how your interpersonal relationships affect your mental health symptoms. This approach can help you address unresolved trauma, which can help you develop new insights and self-awareness into your emotional experiences.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a commonly used approach that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. This approach focuses on developing emotion regulation skills and distress tolerance skills, which can help reduce impulsive symptoms that you may be experiencing. Mindfulness skills can be helpful for those who are experiencing avoidance behaviors.

Medication management services may be used in addition to psychotherapy for short-term relief. Medications like antianxiety medications, beta-blockers, and antidepressants may be used, depending on your individual needs. Psychiatric care if often available in both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used therapeutic approaches and can help you identify and modify negative thought patterns and beliefs contributing to your symptoms. This can help reduce the presence of intrusive thoughts and anxiety that are commonly associated with trauma-related disorders.

Group therapy can provide you with a sense of community in recovery. Group therapy can be a healing, and validating experience, helping decrease isolation and loneliness in recovery. Family therapy can be used to rebuild and improve family relationships after a trauma, benefiting the whole family.

Individual therapy can help you gain more profound insights into your emotional experiences, in a private setting. This allows you to focus on your experiences, needs, and recovery goals. Some find that individual sessions provide a more comfortable and safe setting to process and heal from their trauma.

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    Find out about our free assessments and admissions process

    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. 

    Does Private Health Insurance Cover Acute Stress Disorder Therapy Programs?

    Private health insurance does often provide insurance coverage for trauma-related disorders, including acute stress disorder. The details of your coverage are dependent on your carrier and policy details. You may be eligible for coverage for inpatient and outpatient behavioral health centers.

    If you would like to learn about the extent of your insurance coverage, we encourage you to contact AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center and complete our insurance verification form. This allows us to learn how your coverage would be applied to a holistic treatment center addressing an acute trauma response.

    Which Insurance Providers Cover Acute Stress Disorder Treatment Near Me?

    There are a number of insurance providers that can provide coverage for trauma-related disorder treatment. This includes major providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna Health Insurance, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Kaiser Permanente. Coverage among these providers can vary, highlighting the importance of verifying your insurance coverage.

    Differences in policies can include limitations and exclusions for in-network treatment providers, as well as out-of-pocket expenses like co-pays, deductibles, and premiums.

    group therapy appointment, patients talking to eachother.

    How Much Does an Acute Stress Disorder Treatment Program Cost With Insurance?

    The cost of acute stress disorder treatment can vary when you’re using health insurance. This is because each insurance carrier offers their own products and services, with variations among their available services. This can include differences in out-of-pocket expenses and the limitations and exclusions associated with your policy.

    If you would like to have a personalized estimate for acute stress disorder treatment that includes your insurance coverage, complete the insurance verification form available with AMFM today.

    How Much Does Acute Stress Disorder Treatment Cost Without Insurance?

    The cost of trauma-related disorder treatment can greatly vary. The most notable difference is between outpatient treatment and residential treatment care. Residential treatment can cost between $500 to $2,000 per day. This includes the cost of intensive psychotherapy, around the clock support, alternative treatment approaches, and room and board.

    Outpatient treatment programs, like a partial hospitalization programs or intensive outpatient program, generally cost more than routine outpatient therapy. Routine therapy sessions can range from $100 to $200, with group counseling often being more affordable. We encourage you to contact AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers today to receive a personalized estimate for stress-related disorder treatments. Dial (866) 478-4383 to get started today.

    When you’re struggling with an early trauma response, it’s important to find a treatment provider who can address your specific needs. This may require a few steps, which is why we have outlined steps that can help you in your search. Here’s a guide on steps you can take to find your treatment provider: 

    • Consult with Healthcare Professionals: Begin by speaking with your primary care physician, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional. Discuss your current symptoms and concerns, and ask for a referral for a healthcare facility offering stress-related disorder treatment.
    • Use Online Search Engines: Do an online search using specific keywords like “Treatment for acute stress disorder near me.” Compare the websites of potential treatment centers to learn about their available programs for trauma-related disorders. 
    • Check Mental Health Directories: Utilize mental health directories offered by official health organizations or websites. Focus your search on finding a nearby specialty treatment center for emotional shock and other stress-induced symptoms. 
    • Contact Local Mental Health Organizations: Contact your local mental health organizations and advocacy groups. You can ask for recommendation for comprehensive mental health treatment center or wellness center providing appropriate treatment. 
    • Explore Online Reviews and Testimonials: Read different reviews and testimonials from those who have engaged in treatment programs with the behavioral health centers you’re considering. You can do this using sites like Google, Yelp, or specialized healthcare review websites.
    • Insurance Provider Assistance: Reach out to your health insurance provider and inquire about in-network trauma-related disorder treatment programs. They can let you know about limitations and exclusions for coverage regarding out-of-network treatment providers. 
    • Visit University Hospitals and Medical Centers: Look into academic medical centers and university hospitals that have psychiatric departments. These facilities may offer specialized treatments for psychological stress and physical symptoms of stress.
    • Connect with Local Mental Health Hotlines: Reach out to local mental health hotlines or helplines for assistance. Ask about nearby acute trauma reaction recovery centers. 
    • Seek Referrals from Support Groups: Join online support groups and local groups for those experiencing a stress-related disorder. Here, you can ask for recommendation from others for inpatient treatment centers or outpatient treatment centers. 
    • Verify Accreditation and Licensing: Look into the accreditation and licensing of the specialty treatment center or health care facility you’re considering. Inquire about the staff’s educational backgrounds and qualifications for treating trauma-related disorders.

    The admission process for a stress-related disorder is often through and straightforward. Many find that knowing what to expect from this process can decrease some of the anxiety or worry that arise surrounding this transition. While the specific process may vary from one treatment center to another, here is a general overview of what you can expect:

    • Initial Contact: The first step is to ask for help. This can vary among providers, but this can often be done online or with a phone call.
    • Assessment and Evaluation: Once you have reached out for help, you will be scheduled for an assessment or evaluation. This focuses on learning about your stress-induced symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
    • Insurance Verification and Coverage: Your treatment provider will then verify your insurance and talk about payment options. This can help you make an informed decision about your care, knowing what out-of-pocket expenses you’d be responsible for.
    • Treatment Plan Development: Your clinical team will develop a treatment plan based on the information gathered in your assessment. This can focus on specific acute stress disorder symptoms and developing healthy coping skills to improve your quality of life.
    • Admissions Coordination: Once the necessary paperwork is completed, you will be given an admission date. In some cases, your treatment provider can help you plan your travel to the treatment facility.
    • Orientation and Program Introduction: When you arrive at the treatment facility, you’ll be given a brief orientation and tour to familiarize yourself with the recovery center and the staff you’ll be working with.
    • Active Participation in Treatment: You can then get settled, and begin attending treatment as scheduled. Your treatment provider will provide you with a detailed schedule, letting you know where you have to be and when.
    • Progress Monitoring and Adjustments: Your progress will be monitored throughout your treatment so that necessary adjustments can be made when needed. This ensures that you receive the comprehensive care needed to transition into the next stage of your recovery.
    • Acute stress disorder symptoms last a minimum of three days, but less than one month.
    • Acute stress disorder rates have been found to fall between 24 and 24.6% among those who are one week post trauma, and 11.7% to 40.6% for those who are one to two weeks after a trauma.
    •  Acute stress disorder is a risk factor for developing  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but it is important to note that not everyone who has acute stress disorder later develops PTSD
    • Some of the risk factors for acute stress disorder include a history of trauma, mental health concerns, limited social support, and experiencing a trauma that threatened your life. 
    • Common symptoms of acute stress disorder can fall into the main categories of intrusion symptoms, negative mood, dissociation, avoidance, and arousal. 

    Check if your health insurance will cover the cost of mental health treatment.