Trauma Therapy Resources for Survivors: PTSD Treatment & Mental Health Care
Trauma can be defined as an emotional response to a stressful event, like a crime, accident, abuse, neglect, or the death of a loved one.
Understanding traumatic responses
Feelings of grief, shock, and denial may be common immediately following the event, but longer-term trauma responses can lead to flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical illness.
Trauma therapy resources for survivors: How to find help
People tend to respond to trauma in different ways. For some, managing their emotions and moving on with their lives can be challenging. The trauma therapy resources listed below can help people who have experienced trauma, as well as their loved ones.
Online resources for PTSD treatment
Below, find accessible online resources for individuals who have experienced trauma.
After Deployment
After Deployment, a website developed by the National Center for Telehealth & Technology’s Defense Centers of Excellence project, offers a library of resources, including links to books, blogs, and podcasts, as well as interactive workshops about traumatic brain injury, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, all intended for veterans returning from deployment.
PTSD Coach
PTSD Coach was designed by the U.S. Department of Defense’s National Center for Telehealth & Technology and the VA’s National Center for PTSD. It offers tools to help people with PTSD handle stress and provides reliable information for veterans experiencing PTSD symptoms.
There is also a PTSD Coach app available for Apple and Android that provides easy-to-use tools for managing symptoms and direct links to other forms of help and support.
Support groups for trauma-informed health care
In-person and online support groups can be an excellent addition to professional one-on-one treatment.
Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (ASCA) is a support group for adult survivors of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse or neglect. In addition to meetings, it offers educational books, handouts, pamphlets, and other resources.
CPTSD Foundation: Trauma-informed mental health support
The CPTSD Foundation offers two online support groups for survivors in its mission to help those with complex PTSD. The CPTSD Safe Group generally functions as an online group or message board where members can post, reply, and interact with others in the group.
Meanwhile, the CPTSD Peer Support Chat is similar to a chatroom where members can respond to one another in real-time. Both support groups are peer-led and moderated by CPTSD Foundation staff.
NAMI Connection
The National Alliance on Mental Illness hosts NAMI Connection, a free peer-led support group for anyone who has experienced symptoms of mental illness. These support groups typically follow a structured model to ensure that everyone in the group has an opportunity to share and be heard. Each meeting is 90 minutes long, and they meet every other week or once a month, depending on the location.
Nonprofits and foundations supporting trauma survivors
These organizations can offer additional support to trauma survivors.
The Academy of Cognitive Therapy
The Academy of Cognitive Therapy is a nonprofit organization made up of physicians, social workers, psychologists, and other mental health professionals from around the world. Its goal is to support continuing education and research related to cognitive therapy. After 9/11, the Academy increased its efforts and formed a Trauma Task Force to help people receive the best support available after experiencing trauma.
American Red Cross Disaster Services
The American Red Cross offers disaster relief to those who face emergency needs after a disaster. This support not only includes providing food and shelter, but also offers health services to support the mind and body. Its goal is generally to help those affected by disaster resume their normal lives.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is a national nonprofit dedicated to educating legislators, healthcare professionals, and the general public to increase understanding about anxiety disorders. The ADAA is committed to improving the lives of people with anxiety. It provides information about diagnosing and treating PTSD, as well as an online self-screening tool for those who are struggling with potential PTSD symptoms.
Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress: Trauma health care
The Military Health System established the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) in 1987 to address concerns about the health risks resulting from acts of terrorism, natural disasters, combat and peacekeeping operations, hostage events, and assaults. CSTS primarily provides services to members of the military and their families.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides education, support, and advocacy for people living with mental illness and their loved ones. NAMI has developed a Trauma Toolkit and lectures to prepare mental health providers to treat those experiencing trauma.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Trauma therapy resources for survivors
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence is an advocacy group that acts as an informational and referral center for survivors of domestic violence and their children, as well as the media and the general public. It also works to influence legislation that can protect survivors of domestic violence and provide access to healthcare centers, shelters, and other organizations.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) provides support for survivors of sexual assault via an online and telephone hotline. It also works with the Department of Defense to provide a hotline for members of the military who have experienced sexual assault.
Veterans Affairs PTSD Support Services: Comprehensive PTSD treatment
Veterans Affairs PTSD Support Services provides a network of over 100 programs for people living with PTSD. These programs offer evaluation, education, and treatment for veterans, including counseling, nursing, and social work services.
Therapy
Below, discover various ways to find a suitable mental health professional for your needs.
Psychologist Locator from the American Psychological Association
BetterHelp
BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that can empower you to meet with a licensed mental health professional from the comfort of your home or anywhere you have an internet connection. You can communicate with your therapist via video conference, phone call, online chat, or in-app messaging. There are over 30,000 therapists on the platform, and you can change providers at any time until you find a professional with whom you are comfortable.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person sessions for mental health?
In addition to being convenient and flexible, research shows that online therapy can be effective. According to a 2022 meta-analysis, online and in-person therapy tend to produce the same client outcomes. Both can be suitable forms of treatment for a variety of mental health concerns, including the effects of trauma.
Takeaway
Which therapy is best for past trauma?
The best therapy for past trauma often involves a combination of trauma services, mental health services, and support from mental health professionals who specialize in trauma-informed care. Common treatments include eye movement desensitization (EMDR), counseling, and other evidence-based treatment methods.
Therapists may focus on helping survivors process traumatic events, manage stress, and work toward trauma recovery and healing. Support from foundation trust organizations, the National Center for PTSD, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can also be helpful, especially for families and children who may be affected by trauma.
For individuals who have experienced sexual violence, disaster, or other forms of violence, working with mental health and behavioral health professionals trained in trauma-informed care is recommended. They can offer education to increase understanding, build a support system, and develop strategies to reduce symptoms and improve well-being.
Some may also receive technical assistance from health and human services, advocacy groups, or organizations dedicated to helping survivors. These resources are essential in guiding people through recovery and improving their lives after traumatic experiences.
How to heal from childhood trauma without therapy?
Healing from childhood trauma without therapy is possible, but it may take time and effort. Many survivors use trauma services and community support to cope. Survivors, especially children and families affected by substance misuse or other challenges, can benefit from programs offered by a foundation trust or other organizations.
Using technical assistance like online tools and self-help guides can help increase understanding of trauma and how it affects lives. These are often made for children and other populations to reduce stress and improve safety.
Self-healing may include learning coping skills from local or online trauma services. Survivors may also find help through foundation trust programs, community centers, and organizations that offer training and technical assistance.
While healing without formal therapy is possible, professionals can still be helpful if needed. They often provide deeper understanding, emotional support, and other efforts to make sure survivors feel safe and supported. Many survivors find that improving their understanding of trauma and making small changes can greatly improve their lives.
What not to say to a trauma survivor?
Do not say things that cause stress or make a trauma survivor feel blamed. Survivors, especially those dealing with substance misuse, need support, not judgment. Avoid phrases like “just move on” or “it could be worse,” as these often make stress harder to manage.
It is also important not to focus on minimizing their experience. Every survivor, whether facing trauma from abuse or other causes, deserves to be heard without comparison. The National Institute of Mental Health and many other organizations encourage people to increase their understanding of trauma and show care and concern for others.
Around the world, efforts are being made to teach people how to better support survivors. This type of training can help you learn the right words to say and how to be helpful.
Can you heal trauma without a therapist?
Yes, it is possible to heal trauma without a therapist, but it can be challenging. Many survivors around the world use resources, trauma services, and community programs to help with recovery. Support from foundation trust organizations, education programs, and technical assistance can help families, children, and young people who are affected by violence, substance misuse, or crisis.
Self-help options may include learning from education materials, joining community support groups, and using online resources to manage stress and improve understanding. These tools often help survivors increase their knowledge of their situation and work toward better lives.
While some people recover without formal treatment, help from trained professionals can make healing more effective. Trauma-focused services often provide extra support to improve safety and manage emotions.
What are some coping mechanisms for trauma survivors?
Coping mechanisms for trauma survivors around the world often include counseling, support from mental health services, and participation in trauma services. Survivors may work with mental health professionals who provide trauma-informed care to help process traumatic events and reduce stress.
Common strategies include engaging in therapy provided by foundation trust or community organizations and using resources that focus on healing. Survivors may also benefit from technical assistance and education programs designed to increase understanding of trauma and its effects.
Some trauma survivors, including children and families who are affected by sexual violence or disaster, may seek behavioral health services for additional help. These mental health services often include therapy sessions, skill-building, and emotional support to promote recovery and improve daily lives.
Agencies like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Center for PTSD also provide resources and treatment options, especially for those dealing with trauma connected to substance misuse. Working with organizations and professionals trained in trauma care can help survivors develop healthier coping skills and find understanding and support throughout their journey.
How do you live with a trauma survivor?
Living with a trauma survivor requires patience, understanding, and the use of available resources. Many survivors, including children and families who have been affected by violence, disaster, or substance misuse, may need long-term support through trauma services and behavioral health programs.
It is helpful to connect with organizations, such as a foundation trust or national center, that provide services like counseling, peer groups, and technical assistance. These organizations often offer education to help increase understanding of trauma and reduce stress.
Professionals may recommend treatment programs designed for families to improve communication and coping. For those in community settings where trauma is common, there are efforts to provide mental and behavioral health services to help survivors adapt and heal.
Programs backed by agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Center for PTSD may also offer assistance to those affected by a large-scale disaster or crisis. These services aim to help survivors develop resilience and improve their daily lives.
By using resources, participating in education, and working with trained professionals, loved ones can play an active role in supporting the survivor’s healing journey.
What is the success rate of trauma therapy?
Trauma therapy is often helpful for people around the world who are affected by trauma. Many survivors, including children and families, improve their lives with the help of trauma services and support from trained professionals. These services help reduce stress and teach healthy coping skills.
Foundation trust programs and trauma services often work with adults dealing with trauma, including cases related to substance misuse. These efforts focus on helping those affected heal.
Many professionals use case studies and research from the National Institute of Mental Health to ensure that therapy meets the needs of those affected.
The goal of trauma therapy is to reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase understanding of trauma. With the help of trauma services and skilled professionals, many survivors can recover after trauma.
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