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A MISSION FOR MICHAEL
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.
At A Mission For Michael, you can expect to be welcomed into a safe, comfortable, and relaxing environment. We believe that when you feel comfortable and safe, you’re able to fully participate in treatment. This is why our treatment facilities in California, Washington, and Virginia were carefully designed and developed to be elite mental health treatment centers.
We provide comprehensive care for adults who are living with a range of mental health concerns including mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and dual-diagnosis conditions. Let’s review the effects of psychological trauma, and how professional treatment can help trauma survivors take control of their lives by learning to cope with their symptoms.
Trauma is an emotional response to dangerous or disturbing experiences. Several situations can be traumatic, with a shared characteristic being that they often hurt negatively impact your emotions, physical health, and psychological health. You may find yourself struggling to find a sense of safety or stability after a traumatic event.
It is important to note that there are individual differences in trauma. Your characteristics, social supports, mental health history, and trauma history are examples of factors that can affect your risk of developing trauma after an event. Persistent trauma symptoms can lead to PTSD and other trauma-related disorders like acute stress disorder. Trauma can have immediate and long-term effects on your mental and physical health, which highlights the importance of accessing trauma informed therapy if you are experiencing persistent or worsening psychological distress after a traumatic event.
Trauma is the result of experiencing a traumatic event. These are often intense and overwhelming events and experiences. Trauma can result from a single traumatic event and prolonged exposure to persistent stress. Traumatic events can include situations of real, or perceived, danger, loss, abuse, and threats.
Examples of common causes for trauma symptoms include abuse, accidents, sudden or violent loss of a loved one, a medical crisis, natural disasters, and war. Trauma triggers can vary for everyone, even for those who experienced the same trauma.
Symptoms associated with trauma can affect your emotional, psychological, and physical health. Some of your symptoms may be obvious, while others can be subtle. As with other mental health challenges, symptoms can vary in intensity and can affect your day-to-day life.
Some of the emotional signs associated with trauma include continuous feelings of fear, anger, sadness, and guilt. You may experience irritability and mood swings. It is common to feel detached from those around you and to experience emotional numbness.
Physical symptoms that you may experience include sleeping difficulties, nightmares, and fatigue. Gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches, and chronic pain can also occur. You may find that you’re unconsciously carrying tension in certain parts of your body or experiencing hypervigilance.
Some of the common behavioral signs among those who have experienced trauma include social withdrawal and isolation. You may have a hard time maintaining focus and concentration, and struggle to make decisions. Risky behaviors and substance use may increase in an attempt to cope with the emotional discomfort and pain of trauma.
If you find that you relate to one, or several, of the challenges that we have discussed, we encourage you to reach out for help. The clinical teams at A Mission For Michael are passionate about supporting individuals, like yourself, who are experiencing psychological distress and pain. By calling us today, we can discuss our recovery centers and available trauma counseling programs.
A trauma therapy program can be found in a specialty treatment center for those who would benefit from processing their traumatic events. Trauma healing can occur within the safety of rehabilitation centers with the use of psychotherapy, trauma support groups, and learning effective trauma coping skills.
Behavioral health centers that provide trauma recovery programs often utilize various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Trauma treatment can include the use of a multidisciplinary team including mental health therapists, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and nurses. These professionals work together to provide whole-person care, promoting trauma healing within therapy clinics.
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.
There are varying types of traumas, that differ in nature. Additional differences can be found among those living with the same form of trauma, due to personal differences. Examples of some of the common types of traumas treated in behavioral health centers include:
Emotional trauma can occur from events that lead to deep-rooted emotional distress or psychological pain. This can include experiencing betrayal, humiliation, and neglect. You may find that emotional trauma has a significant impact on your self-worth and relationships. Emotional trauma commonly has long-term mental health effects.
Complex trauma can occur when you have experienced multiple traumas, or are repeatedly exposed to traumatic events. Some childhood traumas fall into this category, as do work-related traumas for professionals like first responders, military personnel, healthcare workers, and mental health professionals. This can lead to changes in emotion regulation, trust, and personality.
Developmental trauma is trauma that occurs during important stages of childhood development. This trauma response can result from neglect, abuse, and exposure to violence. Developmental trauma can have long-term effects including a child’s growth, attachment styles, emotional development, and cognitive development.
Accidental trauma refers to trauma from unexpected situations like natural disasters and accidents. These events can cause serious physical injury and emotional shock. You may experience intense anxiety and fear about future accidents. Other risks include the development of PTSD and phobias.
Medical trauma can result from invasive medical treatments and life-threatening illnesses. This often stems from experiences with hospitals, surgeries, and with chronic illness treatments. You may find yourself feeling anxious or fearful of medical professionals and settings, in addition to hypervigilance.
Psychological trauma is deep mental and emotional harm that results from threatening or very distressing events. This often leads to feelings of hopelessness, powerlessness, and fear. You may find that you develop mood disorders, including anxiety and depression, which often warrants the need for complex trauma treatment.
A Mission For Michael has multiple integrative treatment centers designed to support those who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health concerns, including trauma-related disorders. Our comprehensive treatment programs are tailored to each individual, ensuring that you receive whole-person care. Dial (866)478-4383 today to explore available trauma counseling options.
With multiple residential treatment facilities in Orange County and San Diego, AMFM can provide you with individualized care focused on trauma and resilience building. This allows you to develop trauma-coping skills that can support you in your healing journey. Contact us today to explore available treatment options.
Located in Virginia, A Mission For Michael has multiple inpatient treatment centers that provide evidence-based trauma counseling programs. Our individualized approach will address your unique trauma symptoms and ensure that you learn effective coping skills to decrease your psychological distress and improve your quality of life.
AMFM has a residential trauma treatment center located in Seattle, Washington. Trauma-informed care, CBT, and EMDR are examples of therapeutic approaches that may be incorporated into your personalized treatment plan. We encourage you to contact us today to learn how trauma support programs can prioritize your mental health needs.
Several trauma treatment programs can be offered within a healthcare facility. Trauma-informed care can range from intensive care within an inpatient treatment center, to the flexible support of an outpatient treatment center. These programs are intended to support those experiencing varying levels of distress and impairment from trauma.
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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.
Trauma treatment often involves various therapeutic approaches that are tailored to your individual needs. Trauma-informed care can address the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of your recovery journey. Some of the common types of trauma counseling available in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings include:
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on exploring unconscious thoughts and experiences that influence your trauma responses. This approach can help you gain a more profound understanding of the internal processes that affect your emotions. With a focus on self-awareness, psychodynamic therapy is associated with long-term healing and emotional growth.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) combines mindfulness practices with stress management techniques. This approach can help you learn effective ways to manage trauma stressors and emotional responses. Overall, MBSR can help reduce your experience with negative emotional patterns and increase your focus.
Trauma-informed care focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment for trauma survivors. This approach recognizes the impact that trauma can have on your behaviors, relationships, and overall mental health. This approach can provide you with a sense of compassion and understanding while providing you with the grace needed for your trauma recovery journey.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy may be used in some cases of trauma and PTSD to reprocess painful memories. This approach uses gradual exposure to triggers and trauma memories in a safe and supportive environment. You’ll work to decrease your avoidance behaviors, fear responses, and anxiety tied to your trauma.
DBT is a commonly used approach that combines techniques from CBT with mindfulness practices. This approach can help you learn to effectively manage intense emotions with the development of emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. This is beneficial for trauma survivors who struggle with impulsivity and self-regulation.
Trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured therapeutic approach that blends the use of trauma treatment and CBT techniques. This approach can help address negative thought patterns and beliefs that are tied to your trauma. This approach can be used with individuals of all ages who are struggling with trauma symptoms.
EMDR trauma therapy uses guided eye movements to help your brain reprocess your traumatic memories. You’ll focus on one memory at a time, and repeat the process for additional memories. This can help decrease the emotional distress you experience from your trauma, and reduce PTSD and trauma symptoms.
Group therapy can be a healing experience focused on trauma and resilience. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with others who have had similar experiences and struggles resulting from trauma. This can help reduce isolation, provide support, and provide validation for your thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
Many health insurance providers offer insurance coverage for behavioral and mental health treatment centers offering trauma treatment programs. This often includes inpatient and outpatient treatment care, with the possibility of specialized services like psychiatric care. Coverage is dependent on your plan, with variations in the types of treatment covered, provider networks, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Access to trauma counseling programs increased with the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which is incorporated into many treatment plans. It is important to verify your coverage to understand your limitations, exclusions, and needed prior authorizations.
Several major health insurance companies provide coverage for trauma therapy and mental health counseling in holistic treatment centers. This includes carriers like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, and UnitedHealthcare. Each carrier has its own unique brands, services, and products for policyholders to choose from.
To help you understand the scope of your coverage, A Mission For Michael has developed an insurance verification form. This provides us with the information we need to contact your insurance carrier and inquire about the details of your coverage. We can then help you understand your coverage options, allowing you to make an informed decision regarding your trauma-informed therapy options.
Generally, those who use health insurance coverage will pay less for trauma therapy and counseling compared to those who don’t. Insurance coverage often includes some, if not most, of the costs associated with mental health treatment. Your policy may have limits or restrictions regarding providers they will cover, and you may need to obtain specific authorizations.
For a personalized quote regarding the cost of trauma-informed care with your insurance policy, complete the AMFM insurance verification form today.
Trauma therapy costs can vary greatly. Those who received inpatient or residential treatment can expect to pay between $500 to $2,000 per day. Those who receive specialized treatments and psychiatric care can expect to have increased prices. Outpatient trauma therapy sessions can cost between $100 and $200 per session.
Intensive outpatient programming like PHP and IOP care tends to cost more than routine outpatient treatment due to the additional support included in your costs. If you have concerns about the cost of trauma treatment and how to pay, we encourage you to contact AMFM to review payment options.
Having an understanding of what to expect from the admission process can decrease the worry and uncertainty you may be experiencing. It’s natural to have some hesitations to try something new, but the benefits of trauma treatment outweigh the discomfort of asking for help. Here is a brief overview of the key steps associated with the AMFM admission process:
Finding trauma-informed therapy in your area may feel daunting. Not all mental health programs provide support for those who are struggling with trauma, and trauma-related disorders. To help you in your search, we have created a list of steps you can take to find your ideal specialty treatment center:
Living with trauma means more than just carrying around bad memories – it’s reliving them and feeling their impact on your day-to-day, even years after the experience is over.
Trauma lives in the moments when you’re suddenly back there, heart pounding, breath short, even when you’re safe in your own home.
Trauma means that certain words, sounds, or smells don’t just remind you of what happened – they catapult you back, making it feel as immediate and terrifying as it was then.
But you don’t have to live this way forever.
Trauma (or the way distressing experiences embed themselves into the brain) is well recognized and understood by mental health professionals.
At AMFM, we specialize in changing the way trauma interrupts your present, offering solutions and support proven to gently detach those vivid experiences from your current reality. Trauma runs deep- but so does the human capacity for resilience and recovery. We’re here to help show you how to tap into that so you can start living your life again.
Trauma is a brain and body response that can be caused by distressing experiences. Traumatic events shake us to our core – they challenge our sense of safety and stability. The magnitude of the event doesn’t matter as much as how it impacts you. One person may be traumatized by a particular event, but another may not. We all respond differently.
There are a lot of events that can cause trauma, from physical threats to emotional scarring.
Here are some common sources:
If experience distressing symptoms after a traumatic experience like this, it’s okay. You’re reacting normally to something extraordinary.
The trauma we experience changes the way we respond to the world around us.
With trauma, the event doesn’t live just in our memories, but in the very wiring of our brains. Once there, trauma expresses itself in many ways you might not recognize right away, but they’re signs that the experience continues to impact you.
If you have trauma, you might experience:
Recurrent, involuntary memories of the traumatic event that interrupt your day-to-day life.
Feeling as though the event is happening again right now.
Frequent, vivid dreams related to the event.
Steering clear of places, people, or activities that are reminders of what happened.
Feelings of hopelessness, memory problems, difficulty maintaining close relationships, or feeling detached from others.
Being easily startled, feeling tense or on edge, having difficulty sleeping, or experiencing angry outbursts.
Left untreated, trauma often turns into anxiety or depression.
Trauma doesn’t just affect us emotionally; it fundamentally alters our brain’s function and structure.
When faced with trauma, our body’s immediate response is a surge of adrenaline, kick-starting our fight, flight, or freeze reaction. This response is deeply rooted in the limbic system, specifically within a small but mighty part called the amygdala. The amygdala captures the emotional essence of our traumatic experience, encoding it not in words but in raw, sensory fragments—sounds, sights, smells, tastes, and touches. This means trauma memories aren’t stored like a typical narrative but as disjointed sensory snapshots.
These sensory fragments can make the brain hyper-vigilant, misinterpreting everyday stimuli as threats. A simple red light, for instance, might trigger an intense response, as the brain struggles to distinguish between past danger and present safety.
The prefrontal cortex, our center for reasoning, language, and conscious thought, often goes offline during traumatic events. This part of the brain is supposed to help us process and make sense of our experiences, but trauma can overwhelm it, leading to a kind of shutdown. This is why, in the aftermath of trauma, people might find it hard to articulate their experiences or make logical decisions—they’re operating in a state where survival instincts have overridden the capacity for higher reasoning.
This shift in brain function explains why trauma can feel so all-consuming and why it’s not something one can simply “get over.” The memories are imprinted in a way that our normal coping mechanisms are bypassed, leaving us in a state of heightened alertness to danger, even when we’re safe.
Understanding this neuroscience of trauma highlights the importance of treatments that help rewire these brain responses, creating new ways to move traumatic memories from the “active threat” part of our brains, to the “it happened, but I’m safe now” part.
Before diving into the depths of trauma therapy, AMFM takes time to establish stability and grounding- no throwing you in the deep end of the pool without first teaching you to swim. Our first priority is capacity building—making sure you have the tools and support you need to find a stable starting point. This is especially important for people who may feel overwhelmed, so they’re ready for more intensive therapies like EMDR.
Trauma treatment at our facility can draw from a variety of specialized therapies, all designed to meet the needs of our clients. They include (but aren’t limited to):
It’s important to not just overcome trauma, but also prepare for life outside of treatment. We create an environment that fosters stability and growth, so when you’re ready to go back to your everyday life, you have the strategies and skills you need. Our team will work with you to create a seamless transition plan that fits your needs, from practical applications of coping mechanisms to connecting you with the right post-treatment support therapist. Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to manage your life after treatment.
At AMFM, we have a trauma treatment program that addresses the unique needs of trauma survivors with a compassionate, expert-led approach.
Our approach isn’t just different, it’s deeply effective:
Exceptional Patient-to-Staff Ratios: We provide focused, individualized care by keeping staff-to-patient ratios low, so that every guest gets the attention he or she needs.
Serene Locations: Surrounded by tranquil surroundings, our facilities provide a calm haven that fosters healing. That means guests are able to focus on their recovery journey with fewer distractions.
Specialized Trauma Expertise: Our team includes professionals with specialized training in trauma treatment. As trauma experts, we understand the nuances and provide care that’s not just informed, but empathetic and effective
Continuing Education and Collaboration: Our partnership with leading institutions like the Beck Institute keeps our team at the forefront of mental health care, making sure that our practices are based on the latest research. And it’s not just our clinicians who learn – every member of staff is trained to help you.
Holistic Care Philosophy: We go beyond psychological treatment to include basics like nutrition, an essential part of health. Our ‘food as medicine’ philosophy takes diet into consideration in the recovery process, supporting both physical and mental health.
Tailored Treatment Plans: Healing from trauma is a highly personal journey. Our treatment plans are customized to fit each person’s unique story, challenges, and recovery goals.
Comprehensive Treatment Options: Because trauma is a complex issue, we offer a wide range of treatment options
AMFM provides more than just treatment; we offer a route to wellness, where trauma survivors can find understanding, expert care, and unwavering support.
Call us or start the process online today. All communication is confidential.
If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help.
Our commitment to clinical excellence is reflected in our rigorous adherence to industry standards. We hold licenses and accreditations from respected regulatory bodies, ensuring that our services meet the highest levels of quality and compliance. Listed below are the certifications that endorse our dedication to providing safe, ethical, and effective care.
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