Treatment for PTSD at Lifeskills
At Lifeskills, we provide comprehensive treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to help clients heal from emotional and mental trauma. Our trauma treatment pathway uses evidence-based therapies such as cognitive processing therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), seeking safety, and dialectical behavior therapy. These approaches empower clients to process past traumas, regain emotional balance, and develop coping skills. By addressing the root causes of PTSD, we support clients in overcoming fear, shame, and mistrust, helping them rebuild their lives and achieve long-term recovery.
About PTSD
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, avoidance, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness, disrupting daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Approximately 8% of the US population will experience PTSD, highlighting the need for professional treatment to support recovery and improve well-being.
In the US, approximately 8 million adults have PTSD during any given year.
Questions about post-traumatic stress disorder
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition caused by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, such as violence, natural disasters, or combat. It can affect anyone — regardless of age or background — and disrupts emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
PTSD can manifest in different ways:
- Acute PTSD – Develops within weeks of trauma and lasts less than three months.
- Chronic PTSD – Persists for over three months and may have long-term impacts on functioning.
- Delayed-onset PTSD – Symptoms arise months or years after the traumatic event.
- Complex PTSD – Results from prolonged or repeated trauma, often involving deeper emotional and relational challenges.
Understanding the different types and complexities of PTSD highlights the importance of specialized, evidence-based treatment to promote recovery and lasting wellness.
What are the signs and symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, often leading to significant disruptions in daily life. Common signs include:
- Intrusive thoughts – Recurrent, involuntary memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the trauma, making it difficult to escape the past mentally.
- Avoidance – A strong urge to avoid people, places, conversations, or activities that trigger trauma memories. This can also include avoiding thoughts or feelings associated with the event.
- Negative mood & cognition – Persistent negative emotions such as guilt, shame, anger, or a feeling of detachment from others. Individuals may also have difficulty remembering key details of the trauma or have a distorted sense of self or others.
- Hyperarousal – Heightened physical responses, including irritability, difficulty sleeping, hypervigilance (constantly on edge), and exaggerated startle responses. This often leads to difficulty concentrating and emotional instability.
In some cases, PTSD may lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, or substance use as individuals struggle to cope. These symptoms can persist for months or years without treatment, underlining the need for specialized care.
When should I seek help for PTSD?
It’s vital to seek help for PTSD as soon as symptoms begin to interfere with daily life, relationships, or work. If you or your loved one is experiencing persistent flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, or hyperarousal that lasts for weeks or months, it’s time to reach out for professional support.
Additionally, if avoidance behaviors, such as distancing yourself from loved ones or avoiding situations, impact your ability to function, it is crucial to seek care. Early intervention can reduce the risk of symptoms worsening, promote healing, and prevent the development of co-occurring issues like depression or substance abuse.
Contact Lifeskills today to learn how our specialized PTSD treatment programs can support your recovery and help you move forward.
Our Levels of Care
At Lifeskills, we offer a comprehensive continuum of care to support individuals at every stage of their recovery journey. Our levels of care include detoxification, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and transitional living programs, each tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.
