Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can leave lasting emotional and psychological scars. Whether caused by a single event or prolonged exposure to distress, trauma can affect every aspect of a person's life, from their relationships and work performance to their overall sense of well-being. At Advanced Psychiatry Associates, we understand the complex nature of trauma and are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to help individuals heal and regain control of their lives.
What is Trauma?
Trauma can take many forms. It may stem from a one-time event such as a car accident, natural disaster, or violent attack, or it could develop over time due to ongoing abuse, neglect, or exposure to chronic stress. Emotional trauma is not limited to extreme events—it can also be the result of grief, medical procedures, or witnessing a traumatic incident. Regardless of the cause, trauma impacts the brain’s ability to process experiences, leading to lasting changes in how an individual feels, thinks, and behaves.
Common symptoms of trauma include:
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
- Nightmares and sleep disturbances
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Emotional numbness or detachment
- Avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Mood swings or irritability
These symptoms can evolve into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health challenges if left unaddressed.
Trauma Treatment at Advanced Psychiatry Associates
At Advanced Psychiatry Associates, located in Sacramento, California, our team of experienced psychiatrists and behavioral health professionals offers personalized treatment for individuals struggling with trauma. Our holistic and integrative approach is designed to address the emotional, psychological, and physiological effects of trauma, guiding patients through the healing process with care and expertise.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Every treatment journey at Advanced Psychiatry Associates begins with a thorough psychological evaluation. Understanding the root causes and severity of a patient’s trauma is essential to developing an effective, personalized care plan. We use evidence-based assessment tools to accurately diagnose trauma-related disorders, including PTSD, acute stress disorder, and comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
Psychotherapy and Counseling Services
Psychotherapy is the cornerstone of trauma treatment. At Advanced Psychiatry Associates, we offer a wide range of therapeutic modalities to help patients process their trauma, develop coping mechanisms, and rebuild a sense of safety and trust. Our services include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps patients identify and reframe negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress. This structured, goal-oriented approach is highly effective in reducing trauma symptoms by promoting healthier thinking and behavior patterns.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a specialized therapy used specifically to treat trauma. It involves recalling traumatic memories while engaging in guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This process helps the brain reprocess and desensitize traumatic experiences, reducing their emotional impact.
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Our trauma-focused therapy sessions are tailored to help patients address specific traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment. We prioritize patient comfort, trust, and emotional readiness, ensuring therapy progresses at a pace that suits the individual's needs.
Group Therapy
Connecting with others who have experienced trauma can be deeply healing. Our group therapy sessions foster a sense of community and support, allowing individuals to share their stories, learn from others, and practice social and emotional skills in a safe space.
Medication Management
While therapy is central to trauma treatment, some patients benefit from medication to manage symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or insomnia. At Advanced Psychiatry Associates, our board-certified psychiatrists provide expert medication management tailored to each individual’s diagnosis, medical history, and personal preferences. We closely monitor patients to ensure optimal outcomes with minimal side effects.
Treating Co-Occurring Disorders
Trauma often exists alongside other mental health conditions. At Advanced Psychiatry Associates, we treat a wide range of disorders that frequently co-occur with trauma, including:
- Depression: Trauma can lead to persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in life.
- Anxiety Disorders: Chronic worry, panic attacks, and social anxiety are common among trauma survivors.
- Bipolar Disorder: Trauma can trigger mood instability and exacerbate bipolar symptoms.
- Sleep Disorders: Insomnia and nightmares are frequently associated with traumatic stress.
- Substance Abuse: Many individuals turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with trauma-related pain.
Our integrated treatment model addresses these conditions in conjunction with trauma, ensuring comprehensive care that supports long-term recovery.
Trauma and Children/Adolescents
Trauma in childhood and adolescence can significantly impact development and lead to long-term mental health issues. Our team includes specialists in child and adolescent psychiatry who are trained to recognize the signs of trauma in younger patients and offer age-appropriate interventions. From play therapy to family counseling, we provide supportive services to help children and teens process their experiences and build resilience.
A Safe Space for Healing
At Advanced Psychiatry Associates, we understand that healing from trauma takes time. Our goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where patients feel seen, heard, and empowered to take back control of their lives. Every member of our staff—from administrative personnel to licensed clinicians—is dedicated to maintaining confidentiality, respecting patient dignity, and delivering the highest standard of care.
Why Choose Advanced Psychiatry Associates?
There are many reasons patients in Sacramento and surrounding areas choose Advanced Psychiatry Associates for trauma treatment:
- Multidisciplinary Team: Our clinicians include psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, and counselors with specialized training in trauma care.
- Personalized Care Plans: Every treatment plan is customized to fit the unique needs of the individual.
- Cutting-Edge Treatments: We incorporate the latest evidence-based therapies and technologies into our practice.
- Convenient Services: We offer in-person sessions at our Sacramento clinic and telehealth appointments for patients who prefer remote care.
- Compassionate Environment: We treat every patient with empathy, understanding, and a nonjudgmental approach.
If you or someone you love is suffering from the effects of trauma, help is available. At Advanced Psychiatry Associates, we’re here to walk alongside you on the journey to recovery. Our experienced team is ready to listen, support, and guide you toward a healthier and more peaceful future.
Contact Advanced Psychiatry Associates Today at our number (+18772725818 )or register now via our Patient Portal. At Advanced Psychiatry Associates, we’re here to support you on every step of your recovery journey.