How Do I Choose the Best PTSD Program?

When choosing a PTSD program, you should consider the specialization or specializations of a particular program, the credentials of its staff, and whether it is feasible for you or a loved one to participate in the program while also managing other family and job responsibilities. Another significant factor is the affordability of the program as well as your own financial resources. As PTSD can be the result of several different types of trauma, it may be important to find a PTSD program with staff who have expertise in dealing with people with contacts similar to your own. You may also wish to find out whether the PTSD program offers supportive services to family members and caretakers, as this type of support and education is often crucial to the recovery process.

PTSD is an acronym for post-traumatic stress disorder, an anxiety disorder that affects people who have experienced severe trauma. Those who suffer from PTSD experience a wide range of symptoms, including depression, paranoia, and flashbacks to dramatic events. While PTSD is often associated with individuals who have served in the military, other types of trauma can cause the disorder, including rape and incarceration.

In many places, it is possible for former and current soldiers to receive assistance through a free or low-cost PTSD program offered by a military hospital. If you or a loved one are suffering from trauma related to your military service, you may wish to investigate these programs, as they are targeted specifically toward military personnel. If you are unsure about the existence of these programs, contact the veteran affairs agency in your jurisdiction.

If the PTSD experienced by yourself or a loved one is not the result of military service, you may need to look into a PTSD program offered through public or private mental health centers. In such cases, you should carefully review the specializations of the therapists who work with the program. If you have a special situation, such as trauma due to sexual assault, you should ensure that the program is capable of meeting someone with your specific needs.

Some mental health programs operate on an outpatient basis, while others may require you to live in a residential setting during the most intensive part of the program. There are significant advantages to being in a residential program, but for many people, leaving their home, family, and job for several weeks or months is not practical. In such cases, an intensive outpatient program may be a good way of balancing your need for treatment with your other obligations and responsibilities.