Trauma & PTSD Treatment in Nashville, Tennessee
Medically Reviewed
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Thompson
Last Updated on:
June 3, 2025
Begin PTSD Treatment in Nashville Today
At Arbor Wellness, our PTSD treatment centers in Nashville, Tennessee help individuals understand their trauma and teach them to live a full life while managing their symptoms.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that occurs in some people who have either experienced or witnessed a dangerous or frightful incident.
PTSD is currently categorized as a type of trauma or stressor-related disorder. Many sufferers also present with other conditions like depression, substance abuse, or other mental health problems.
Learn more about our Nashville mental health programs or call us now at 629-217-2658.
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Arbor Wellness is an industry leader in mental health treatment. Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treatment and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual. Call us today, we’re available 24/7.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is your mind and body’s natural response to experiencing or witnessing events that feel life-threatening, overwhelming, or deeply distressing.
When faced with these situations, your nervous system automatically activates survival responses like fight, flight, or freeze to protect you from danger.
While everyone experiences difficult situations throughout life, trauma occurs when an event exceeds your ability to cope and leaves lasting effects on how you think, feel, and relate to the world around you. Understanding trauma is crucial because it helps explain why certain experiences continue to affect you long after they’ve ended.
Trauma can result from a single overwhelming incident, such as a car accident, assault, or natural disaster, or it can develop from repeated exposure to distressing situations like childhood abuse, domestic violence, or combat experiences. During these experiences, your body’s fight, flight, or freeze responses may become overwhelmed or get stuck, continuing to trigger even when you’re safe.
What makes an experience traumatic isn’t necessarily the event itself, but rather how it impacts you personally.
Two people can experience the same event and have completely different responses based on their individual circumstances, support systems, and previous life experiences.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health disorder that happens to many people who go through a traumatic event or series of events. The trauma overwhelms them so much that they become unable to move past it. They find their lives become impacted in several ways, including mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
When initially discovered, PTSD was known as “shell shock” and “combat fatigue” and applied mostly to people who endured trauma related to military service and acts of war. However, PTSD treatment centers have recognized for generations that PTSD can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity, economic status, and other identifiers.
Each year, about 3.5 percent of the US adult population experiences PTSD, and one in eleven adults will suffer from PTSD in their lifetime. PTSD is more likely to develop in women and members of certain minority populations, particularly African Americans, U.S. Latinos, and Native Americans.
How Do I Know I Need PTSD Treatment?
Recognizing when you need professional help for PTSD can be challenging, especially when symptoms feel overwhelming or have become part of your daily routine.
Many people in Nashville struggle with knowing whether their experiences warrant treatment, but understanding the signs can be the first step toward healing.
Here are some common signs you may need PTSD treatment:
Intrusive Memories and Flashbacks If you find yourself repeatedly reliving traumatic events through vivid memories, nightmares, or flashbacks that feel as real as the original experience, this is a strong indicator that professional support could help.
Avoidance Patterns You might notice yourself going to great lengths to avoid places, people, activities, or even thoughts that remind you of the trauma.
While this might feel protective, extensive avoidance can significantly limit your life and prevent natural healing from occurring.
Emotional and Physical Changes PTSD and trauma often brings persistent negative emotions like guilt, shame, anger, or fear, along with feeling disconnected from loved ones.
Physical symptoms such as being easily startled, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, or feeling constantly on edge are also common indicators.
Impact on Daily Functioning When trauma symptoms begin affecting your work performance, relationships, sleep, or ability to enjoy activities you once loved, it’s time to consider professional treatment. You don’t have to struggle alone or wait until symptoms become unbearable.
Our PTSD Treatment Programs in Nashville
At Arbor Wellness, we understand that trauma and PTSD affects everyone differently, which is why we offer multiple levels of care to meet you exactly where you are in your healing journey.
Our comprehensive PTSD treatment programs in Nashville are designed to provide the right intensity of support while allowing you to maintain the connections and responsibilities that matter most to you.
Residential Treatment
Our residential treatment program provides the most intensive level of care for individuals whose PTSD symptoms significantly impact their daily functioning and safety. In this 24/7 supportive environment, you’ll have access to round-the-clock clinical support while focusing entirely on your healing without the distractions and triggers of everyday life.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers structured, intensive treatment during the day while allowing you to return home each evening. This program is ideal for individuals who need significant clinical support but can safely manage in their home environment with family or other support systems.
In PHP, you’ll attend programming five days per week for approximately six hours each day. Your treatment plan will include individual therapy sessions focused on trauma processing, group therapy specifically designed for PTSD recovery, and psychoeducation sessions that help you understand how trauma affects the brain and body
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our Nashville Intensive Outpatient Program provides flexible, comprehensive treatment that fits around your work, school, or family commitments. This program is perfect for individuals who are ready to maintain their daily responsibilities while receiving focused PTSD treatment, or for those stepping down from a higher level of care.
IOP typically involves attending treatment three to four days per week for three to four hours per session. You’ll participate in individual therapy sessions where you’ll work directly on trauma processing using evidence-based techniques.
Risk Factors of PTSD
People of all ages, ethnicities, cultures, and national backgrounds can develop PTSD. Not everyone who has had exposure to a traumatic incident will end up with this condition. There are, however, a few factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD, which include:
- Experiencing dangerous events
- Experiencing physical or sexual assault
- Witnessing another individual getting physically hurt or killed
- A childhood that included abuse or neglect
- Lack of a social support system
- A history of mental illness or substance use disorder
- Serving in the military
Fortunately, PTSD proves to be a highly treatable condition. It is important to seek help after experiencing trauma as soon as possible. Our Nashville PTSD treatment can help a person build a support system, develop healthy coping skills, and learn how to respond to uncomfortable situations in a way that helps prevent triggering symptoms.
HOW IS PTSD DIAGNOSED?
In order to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, a person must be seen by a therapist or physician who is trained to recognize the signs and symptoms.
They will confirm that the individual has experienced a traumatic event within their lifetime, and discuss their symptoms in order to provide a proper diagnosis.
Common Reasons People Do Not Pursue Treatment for PTSD
There are many reasons people do not seek treatment for PTSD, including;
- Not trusting mental health professionals
- Having financial concerns regarding treatment costs
- Feeling that asking for help could be a sign of weakness
- Thinking that symptoms may improve on their own over time
- A worry that if people find out, it can impact their careers or relationships
- Fear due to the response they have previously received from others – especially common within the LGBTQ+ community
What To Expect Duriung PTSD in NAshville
PTSD treatment centers begin by performing a thorough assessment to understand the specifics of a person’s PTSD. From there, a schedule for different types of therapy can be created. Each type of therapy helps a person confront their trauma and learn to make peace with it in a way that keeps it from overwhelming them.
The individual will not be rushed to come to terms with what happened to them. Instead, therapists use compassionate, friendly communication to help the person feel able to open up and talk. Together, the therapist and person set treatment goals for PTSD therapy and review the progress made.
How Is PTSD Treated in Nashville?
PTSD treatment has evolved significantly over the years, and today we have numerous evidence-based approaches that can effectively help people recover from trauma. The most successful treatment plans often combine multiple therapeutic modalities to address the complex ways trauma affects your mind, body, and spirit. At Arbor Wellness in Nashville, we take a comprehensive approach that recognizes each person’s unique healing journey and tailors treatment to your specific needs, symptoms, and preferences.
Effective PTSD treatment works by helping your nervous system learn to distinguish between past trauma and present safety, while providing you with tools to manage symptoms and rebuild your life. Recovery is absolutely possible, and with the right combination of treatments, many people find significant relief from their symptoms and go on to live fulfilling, meaningful lives.
Talk Therapy
Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, forms the cornerstone of PTSD treatment. Several specialized therapeutic approaches have been specifically developed and proven effective for trauma recovery.
Individual Therapy provides a private, confidential space where you can work one-on-one with a trained therapist to process your traumatic experiences at your own pace. Individual sessions allow for deep exploration of your personal trauma history, triggers, and coping patterns while developing customized strategies for healing. This personalized approach ensures that your unique needs, cultural background, and personal preferences are fully considered in your treatment plan.
Group Therapy connects you with others who have experienced similar trauma, creating a supportive community where you can share experiences, learn from others, and practice new skills in a safe environment. Group sessions help combat the isolation that often accompanies PTSD while providing opportunities to give and receive support from peers who truly understand what you’re going through.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that developed as a result of trauma. This evidence-based approach teaches you to recognize triggers, challenge unhelpful beliefs about yourself and the world, and develop healthier coping strategies for managing difficult emotions and situations.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) focuses on teaching practical skills for managing intense emotions, tolerating distress, and improving relationships. Originally developed for individuals with emotional dysregulation, DBT is highly effective for trauma survivors who struggle with overwhelming emotions, self-destructive behaviors, or difficulties in relationships.
Medication
While therapy is typically the primary treatment for PTSD, mental health medication can be an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan, especially when symptoms are severe or interfere with your ability to engage in therapy effectively.
Genetic Testing At Arbor Wellness, we utilize pharmacogenetic testing to take the guesswork out of finding the right medication for you. This simple genetic test analyzes how your body metabolizes different medications, helping our psychiatrists predict which medications are most likely to be effective and which ones you might not respond to well.
Comprehensive Psychiatric Care Our board-certified psychiatrists specialize in trauma and PTSD treatment, bringing years of experience in understanding how trauma affects brain chemistry and function. They work collaboratively with your therapy team to ensure your medication management supports your overall treatment goals.
Holistic Therapies
Trauma affects not just your mind but your entire body and spirit, which is why holistic therapies play a crucial role in comprehensive PTSD treatment. These approaches help address trauma that may be stored in your nervous system and body.
Somatic Therapy recognizes that trauma is stored not just in your mind but in your body’s nervous system and tissues. This approach focuses on the physical sensations and body awareness to help release trapped trauma responses. Through gentle movement, breathing exercises, and body awareness techniques, somatic therapy helps you reconnect with your body in a safe way and learn to regulate your nervous system naturally.
BioSound Therapy combines the healing power of music with biofeedback technology to help regulate your nervous system and promote deep relaxation. This innovative treatment uses specially designed music and vibrations that are synchronized with your heart rate and breathing patterns, helping to shift your body out of fight, flight, or freeze mode and into a state of calm and healing.
Alpha-Stim Therapy uses gentle electrical stimulation to help balance brain chemistry and reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia commonly associated with PTSD. This FDA-cleared device delivers low-level electrical currents that help normalize brainwave patterns, promoting relaxation and emotional stability. Many clients find Alpha-Stim particularly helpful for managing sleep disturbances and persistent anxiety.
Red Light Therapy utilizes specific wavelengths of light to promote cellular healing and reduce inflammation throughout the body. This non-invasive treatment can help improve sleep quality, reduce pain and tension, and support overall physical recovery from the effects of chronic stress and trauma. Red light therapy works at the cellular level to enhance your body’s natural healing processes.
Benefits of Our PTSD Treatment Centers in Nashville
When people receive proper treatment for their PTSD, they typically experience relief from many of their symptoms. For symptoms that do persist, they learn coping skills needed to manage them and improve their quality of life. At our PTSD treatment facilities, we help you:
- Make sense of the distressing event
- Learn coping skills to handle distressing thoughts and feelings
- Reconnect with loved ones
- Set realistic goals for moving forward
- Learn to live in the present rather than the past
- Use any appropriate medications proven to help with PTSD symptoms
If You are in need of immediate assistance...
Don’t hesitate to contact us immediately. In the case of a medical emergency please contact 911 or visit your local emergency department.
Begin PTSD Treatment in Nashville Today
Taking the first step to seek treatment for your mental health and PTSD can be uncomfortable or frightening. At Arbor Wellness in Nashville, we understand the devastating effects that PTSD and trauma can bring about. We provide comforting, compassionate care from the moment you contact us.
If you have never pursued help from PTSD treatment centers in Tennessee, you may not know what to expect. At Arbor Wellness, our dedicated admissions coordinators are standing by to help answer your questions. Give us a call now at 615-246-7275 or learn more about our admissions process today.
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