Living with post-traumatic stress disorder can prevent you from fully enjoying life and have an impact on your relationships, work, school, and daily activities. At Crownview Psychiatric Institute in San Diego, we offer specialized PTSD treatment through trauma-informed care that helps you process past trauma and move forward. Our experienced clinicians are here to provide compassionate, evidence-based support to help you heal and reclaim your life.

Contact Us Today

Trust Comes First: PTSD and Trauma Treatment

The most important part of healing from PTSD and trauma-related disorders is trust. Our goal is to create a welcoming and comforting environment in which we can establish a healthy treatment alliance between our clients and our therapists. 

Because trauma changes the brain, our PTSD trauma treatment center utilizes evidence-based modalities that are rooted in research and have proven results. From a foundation of trust and the belief that real healing can happen, we teach clients with PTSD and trauma-related disorders how to process past events and begin their healing journey.

What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

The DSM-5 defines PTSD as a disorder that may result when someone lives through or witnesses an event involving a threat to life or physical safety, experiencing fear, terror, or helplessness. 

PTSD is one possible consequence of experiencing trauma, which can be defined as any disturbing experience that results in significant fear, helplessness, or distress intense enough to have long-lasting negative effects on attitudes, behavior, and functioning.

Traumatic events that may lead to PTSD include:

  • Sexual assault
  • Physical assault
  • Accidents/injuries with serious consequences
  • Childhood neglect
  • Childhood abuse
  • Seeing violence firsthand
  • Living through war/experiencing war
  • Disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and tornadoes
  • Witnessing a death or seeing a serious injury occur
  • Experiencing the death of a family member

Building Trust Through Trauma-Informed Care

Trust is the foundation of effective treatments for PTSD. At Crownview, we create a welcoming environment where you can establish a strong therapeutic alliance with your clinicians. From this foundation of trust and safety, we help you process past trauma and begin your healing journey with confidence.

Why PTSD Treatment Is Essential

Without appropriate treatment, PTSD can lead to serious physical, emotional, and behavioral problems, including:

  • Depressed/low mood
  • Aggression
  • Anger/anger management problems
  • Social isolation/self-isolation
  • Suicidal behavior
  • Alcohol/substance misuse
  • Unstable relationships
  • Poor work performance
  • Impaired academic achievement
  • Risky behavior
  • Increased risk of chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease, and/or hypertension

Our Approach to PTSD Treatment in San Diego

Treating PTSD requires a specialized approach focused on avoiding re-traumatization. At Crownview, our clinical team follows best practices in trauma treatment as outlined by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

Principles of Trauma-Informed Care

  • Clinicians understand trauma and have training and experience modifying treatment for patients with a history of trauma.
  • Clinicians can recognize the symptoms of trauma.
  • Clinicians understand how to avoid re-traumatizing patients during the treatment process.

Guidelines for Trauma-Informed Care

  • Safety. People with a history of trauma need to feel safe when receiving support.
  • Trust. People with a history of trauma need to trust their therapist.
  • Peer Support. Talking and learning from other trauma survivors improves outcomes.
  • Collaboration. It’s essential for patients and therapists to work together to define treatment goals.
  • Empowerment. Patients need to develop practical, effective skills to take responsibility for their personal healing process, and therapists need to understand the strength it takes for a trauma survivor to face their fears and commit to treatment.
  • Cultural Competence. Therapists need to accept the reality that institutional trauma persists across generations, and work to move past any lingering stigma associated with cultural heritage, gender, gender expression, and/or sexual orientation.

Get in touch!

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment: Therapeutic Approaches at Crownview

Once we understand your goals, strengths, and challenges, we design a personalized PTSD treatment plan that may include:

Psychotherapy:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)
  • Eye movement desensitization & reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
  • Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy
  • Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT)
  • Acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT)

Medication:

  • Anxiolytics, if needed.

Education:

  • The science behind PTSD/trauma and PTSD/trauma treatment
  • The science of trauma
  • Nutrition for overall health and mood
  • Relationship dynamics/family dynamics
  • Communication skills workshops

Adjunct Therapies:

  • Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) therapy
  • IV vitamins
  • GeneSight® testing

Complementary/Expressive Therapies:

  • Music therapy
  • Wellness groups
  • Meditation and breathwork
  • Yoga
  • Mindfulness
  • Singing bowls

Finding the Right Level of Care for PTSD

The level of care you need depends on several factors. In collaboration with your Crownview treatment team, you’ll identify the following:

  1. The intensity of your symptoms.
  2. The frequency and duration of your symptoms.
  3. The level of disruption they cause in your daily life.

These factors, along with your treatment history, help determine whether intensive outpatient (IOP), partial hospitalization (PHP), or post-traumatic stress disorder inpatient treatment is right for you. If symptoms are severe and outpatient therapy hasn’t provided relief, a more immersive level of care may be needed.

At Crownview Psychiatric Institute, we’ll meet you where you are, help you develop the skills to manage PTSD symptoms, and empower you to live a full and productive life on your own terms.

Areas We Serve in San Diego County

Located in Oceanside, our anxiety treatment services are accessible to residents throughout North County San Diego and surrounding areas. We welcome clients from:

  • Oceanside
  • Carlsbad
  • Vista
  • Encinitas
  • Solana Beach
  • Del Mar
  • San Marcos
  • Escondido
  • La Jolla
  • All of San Diego County
  • Orange County

Our Oceanside location provides convenient access via Interstate 5 and public transit connections. We can help coordinate transportation for clients traveling from outside the immediate area.

Get Started with PTSD Treatment Today

Don’t let PTSD continue to control your life. Our specialized PTSD treatment in San Diego exists to help you process trauma, manage symptoms, and rebuild your life. 

Contact us today to learn how our trauma-informed care can help you or a loved one start the path to healing.

Healing is a phone call away!

FAQs About PTSD Treatment in San Diego

How is PTSD treatment different from other mental health treatments?

PTSD treatment requires trauma-informed care approaches that focus on avoiding re-traumatization while helping you process traumatic memories. Specialized therapies like EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, and prolonged exposure therapy are specifically designed for trauma and work differently from standard talk therapy. Ketamine treatment for PTSD may help, too.

Does insurance cover PTSD treatment at Crownview?

Most insurance plans cover PTSD treatment, including both outpatient and inpatient programs. Our admissions team can verify your benefits and explain your coverage for treatments for PTSD, including therapy and medication management.

How long does PTSD treatment typically take?

Treatment duration varies based on trauma severity, symptom intensity, and individual progress. Some clients benefit from several weeks of intensive treatment, while others need longer-term support. We’ll discuss realistic timelines during your initial assessment.

What is EMDR therapy, and how does it help with PTSD?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that helps you process traumatic memories through guided eye movements. It’s particularly effective for PTSD and helps reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories without requiring detailed discussion of the trauma.

Can family members participate in the process at post-traumatic stress disorder treatment centers?

Yes, family involvement can be beneficial for recovery. We offer family therapy sessions and educational programs to help loved ones understand PTSD and learn how to provide effective support. The level of family involvement is tailored to your preferences and treatment needs.