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Trauma & PTSD Treatment in Tennessee: Finding PTSD Treatment in TN

Contact Apex Recovery Tennessee for More Information

Living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or the effects of trauma can feel overwhelming and isolating. But if you or someone you love is struggling with trauma and PTSD, you’re not alone. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly one-half of all U.S. adults experience a traumatic event at some point in their lifetimes. Plus, an estimated 3.6% of U.S. adults have experienced PTSD in the past year.1

While these statistics are troubling, help and hope are available. Apex Recovery offers specialized trauma and PTSD treatment centers in Tennessee that provide comprehensive mental health care designed to help you reclaim your life and find healing.

With state-of-the-art PTSD rehab centers near Nashville, TN, Apex Recovery offers evidence-based trauma and PTSD inpatient treatment as well as outpatient programs. Our expert team of mental health professionals understands the complex nature of trauma and provides personalized care tailored to your unique needs. To learn more about PTSD rehab in Tennessee with Apex Recovery, please contact our admissions team at (615) 703 4639

What is PTSD and Trauma?

The American Psychiatric Association defines PTSD as a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.2 So PTSD isn’t simply being sad or mildly disturbed about an experienced or witnessed traumatic event. Rather, PTSD (which is also known as “shell shock” or “combat fatigue” within military veterans) is a serious disorder that develops when the natural recovery from trauma is disrupted, leading to persistent symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.

Trauma refers to an emotional response to witnessing or experiencing a deeply troubling event. Often the event involves a situation where someone’s life has been threatened or severe injury has occurred.3 While trauma is a normal reaction to a horrible event, the effects can lead to PTSD, creating a complex web of symptoms that can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves every day—interfering with an individual’s ability to live a normal life. Without proper treatment, these symptoms can persist for months or even years, significantly impacting an individual’s quality of life.

Who is Most Likely to Experience Trauma that Leads to PTSD?

The disorder can develop in practically anyone—from children who suffer the loss of a parent and teenagers who witness a car accident to spouses who experience domestic violence and senior citizens who live through a natural disaster.

When it comes to PTSD, though, some populations are more apt to develop it than others. Among veterans alone, the lifetime prevalence of PTSD is estimated at 8%.4 Along these same lines, first responders have a heightened risk, as up to 30% of those in this field develop behavioral health conditions including PTSD.5 Women, too, have a higher prevalence of PTSD, as studies show that roughly 10% of women develop PTSD compared to 4% of men.6

Free PTSD and Trauma Assessment

Apex Recovery is dedicated to providing treatment for mental health disorders, starting with a free behavioral health assessment. This initial step helps us to identify your specific needs and determine the most suitable treatment plan for you.

At Apex Recovery Tennessee, we also offer dual diagnosis treatment, addressing both mental health disorders and co-occurring substance use challenges. Our comprehensive approach provides a consideration of all aspects of your well-being, providing effective and ongoing care specifically organised for your unique circumstances.

Trauma & PTSD Treatment in Tennessee

While PTSD symptoms can be alarming and trauma can take a toll on almost every aspect of one’s life, treatment can help you manage these impacts. Apex Recovery’s comprehensive approach to PTSD treatment helps you not only manage your symptoms but also identify and address the root cause of these issues, which is the true path to healing.

While your care is customized to your unique needs, your treatment journey often begins with a thorough comprehensive assessment, where we conduct detailed psychological evaluations and trauma history assessments. This initial phase includes screening for co-occurring disorders (aka dual diagnosis) and a complete physical health examination, allowing us to develop personalized treatment plans with clear, achievable goals.

Our evidence-based therapeutic interventions are built upon three core pillars: individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.

Individual Therapy

In individual sessions, we employ proven approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Narrative Exposure Therapy. These methods have demonstrated significant effectiveness in treating trauma-related disorders.

Group Therapy

Another crucial component of our treatment program, group therapy offers trauma-focused groups, skill-building sessions, and peer support networks. Our groups also incorporate psychoeducational components and creative approaches like art and expression therapy, providing multiple pathways for healing and growth.

Family Therapy

Playing a vital role in recovery, family therapy focuses on educating family members about PTSD while developing essential communication skills. We work to strengthen support systems, facilitate relationship repair, and build conflict resolution skills that benefit both the individual in treatment and their loved ones.

Mental Health Disorder Treatment Centers in Tennessee

Access to trusted mental health treatment facilities is essential for receiving personalized support and care for mental health conditions. Tennessee is home to reputable facilities like Apex Recovery, where patients can find evidence-based treatment for a range of mental health disorders. Below is a list of Apex Recovery locations in the Volunteer State that provide comprehensive care plans for mental health to help and support you on your path to improved well-being.

  • Apex Recovery Brentwood: 209 Ward Cir, Brentwood, TN 37027
  • Apex Recovery Columbia: 2710 Trotwood Ave STE A & B, Columbia, TN 38401

How to find Mental Health Counseling and Therapy Services Near Me

Taking the courageous step to seek support for your mental health challenges is a vital first move in your recovery journey. By clearly identifying your unique needs and understanding the available options, you can find the right healthcare providers to support your ongoing recovery. Here are some key steps to help guide your search:

  • Identify Your Therapy Needs: Noting down exactly what you need assistance with is an important start. It could be that you require individual or group counselling, or specific treatments for anxiety or depression. Understanding what you need particular help with could narrow down the search for healthcare providers.
  • Check Therapy Provider’s Tennessee Locations: Searching online for the Tennessee locations of facilities that offer mental health treatments can provide insight into accessibility and convenience. A location near you in the Southern U.S. region may well make it easier to attend sessions and maintain consistency in your treatment plan.
  • Check If They Provide Inpatient or Outpatient Therapy: It may be that you have certain requirements on whether you want to receive intensive treatment as an inpatient or on a flexible outpatient basis. Finding out how to match your specific circumstances and requirements is an important part of finding the right care plan for mental health conditions for you.
  • Check Therapy Center’s Accreditation and Reputation: Research the credentials and reputation of therapy facilities offering mental health services to make sure they meet professional standards. Reading reviews left by former patients and noting official accreditations will offer some valuable insights into the overall quality of care provided.
  • Check If They Accept Insurance: It is always a positive idea to check that the treatment provider accepts your insurance plan. You can also research any other financial requirements or provisions offered. This can help you to focus on the therapeutic side of the facilities, and your ongoing mental health journey.

Free Mental Health Assessment

Schedule a free, confidential assessment with a licensed clinician. Apex Recovery can check your insurance coverage levels for drug and alcohol addiction, and mental health treatment.

Does Insurance Cover Anxiety Treatment?

Yes, most insurance providers cover treatment for anxiety disorders as part of their mental health benefits. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), mental health and substance use disorder services are considered essential health benefits that must be covered by health insurance plans.

The level of coverage for anxiety treatment can vary depending on several factors:

  • Your specific insurance plan
  • The type of treatment needed
  • Length of treatment required
  • Whether you choose in-network or out-of-network providers
  • Your plan’s deductible and copayment requirements

At Apex Recovery, we understand that navigating insurance coverage for mental health treatment can feel overwhelming. However, we’re in-network with most major insurance providers, which can minimize your out-of-pocket costs. Plus, we provide a wide range of services to meet you where you are on your mental health journey.

Plus, our admissions team can verify your insurance coverage and provide you with a thorough explanation of what’s covered and what (if any) costs you’ll likely incur. Additionally, we can help you navigate any prior authorizations. So concerns about insurance coverage don’t need to be a barrier to seeking the help you need. At Apex Recovery, we also offer other ways of paying for anxiety rehab if you do not have insurance, and for more information about these payment options, please contact our admissions team at (615) 703 4639.

Understanding Types of Trauma & PTSD

Trauma can manifest in various forms—namely acute, chronic, complex, and developmental. Here’s a breakdown of each type along with examples of events that might cause each one.

Regardless of the type of trauma you or your loved one has experienced, various forms of treatment are available. Mental health professionals at Apex Recovery can provide trauma-informed counseling as well as evidence-based therapies—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)—all of which that have helped many individuals process their experiences and heal. These treatments, combined with potential medication options prescribed by healthcare providers, can help manage symptoms.

Acute Trauma

Typically involving a single overwhelming event, acute trauma can lead to immediate, intense reactions. Causes include:3

  • Natural disasters
  • Car accidents
  • Physical assaults
  • Sudden loss of a loved one

Chronic Trauma

Chronic trauma involves repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic situations, and it often results in a cumulative psychological impact. Causes of chronic trauma include:1

  • Domestic violence
  • Combat exposure
  • Ongoing abuse
  • Chronic illness

Complex Trauma

Characterized by multiple interpersonal traumatic events, complex trauma can significantly impact personality development and relationships. Examples include:7

  • Childhood abuse
  • Human trafficking
  • Prolonged domestic violence

Developmental Trauma

Studies show that roughly 15 to 43% of children experience at least one form of trauma.8 When trauma occurs during a critical growth period—known as developmental trauma—it can affect brain development and emotional regulation.9 Causes of developmental trauma include:3

  • Early childhood neglect
  • Attachment disruption
  • Chronic abuse during formative years

Levels of Care for PTSD and Trauma Treatment

Apex Recovery offers the aforementioned types of therapy through our PTSD inpatient treatment and outpatient levels of care.

  • Inpatient—Our residential trauma treatment program provides comprehensive 24/7 supervised care within a structured environment. Clients receive intensive therapy sessions and medication management when appropriate, and they participate in holistic wellness activities. This immersive approach creates a safe, supportive environment for deep healing work.
  • Outpatient—For those who’ve completed an inpatient program or simply require more flexibility in their care, our outpatient treatment program for trauma and PTSD may be a good option. You’ll receive the same high-quality care as our inpatient PTSD programs, just at a lower intensity while allowing you to maintain your work and life commitments. This trauma and PTSD program includes regular progress monitoring and step-down care options, ensuring continuous support throughout the recovery journey.
  • Dual Diagnosis Treatment—Dual-diagnosis (aka co-occurring disorder) care—which helps individuals face the complex challenges of managing PTSD and substance use disorders simultaneously—is available via both our residential PTSD treatment program and outpatient care options. Our specialized dual diagnosis treatment program employs an integrated approach that combines addiction counseling with trauma-informed care, incorporating relapse prevention strategies, coping skills development, and support group participation.

Check Your Insurance Coverage

Contact Apex Recovery Tennessee today! We’ll verify your insurance coverage for mental health treatment and guide you through a smooth, stress-free admissions process.

What are the Symptoms of PTSD & Trauma?

Often emerging within 3 months of the onset of the traumatic event, symptoms of PTSD and trauma can be wide-ranging and severe, often involving both physical and mental health and affecting every aspect of daily life.10

The National Institute of Mental Health breaks down symptoms into four main buckets: re-experiencing, avoidance, arousal/reactivity, and cognition/mood.10 While these individual buckets can offer a combination of impacts, let’s discuss them in two broad groups of physical and mental characteristics.

Physical PTSD Symptoms

Re-experiencing Symptoms: These symptoms are typically triggered by thoughts, feelings, objects, or words that are associated with the traumatic event.10

  • Recurring memories or dreams related to the event
  • Physical signs of stress
  • Flashbacks—reliving the traumatic event, including physical symptoms, such as a racing heart or sweating
  • Distressing thoughts

Arosal/Reactivity Symptoms: Arousal symptoms, which are often constant, can lead to stress and anger and can interfere with sleeping, eating, concentrating, and more.10

  • Having difficulty concentrating, falling asleep, and/or staying asleep
  • Experiencing tension and feelings of being on edge and on guard
  • Being easily startled
  • Engaging in reckless, risky, and/or destructive behaviors
  • Demonstrating angry or aggressive outbursts and irritability

Mental PTSD Symptoms

Avoidance Symptoms: Some symptoms cause people to change their routines to avoid a situation, locale, or individual associated with the traumatic event.10

  • Pushing away thoughts or feelings
  • Avoiding places, events, and objects that are reminders of the event.

Cognition and Mood Symptoms: Mood-related symptoms often lead people to distance themselves from family and friends.10

  • Exaggerated feelings of blame directed toward oneself or others
  • Negative emotions, such as fear, anger, guilt, or shame
  • Trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event
  • Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
  • Loss of interest in previous activities
  • Feelings of social isolation
  • Difficulty feeling positive emotions, such as happiness or satisfaction

Trauma & PTSD Treatment at Apex Recovery

At Apex Recovery, we understand that taking the first step toward mental health treatment can feel overwhelming, which is why our compassionate team is here to guide you through every stage of the process. Whether you’re seeking intensive inpatient care, flexible outpatient services, or specialized dual diagnosis treatment, we’re committed to creating a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs and circumstances.

Our evidence-based approaches, combined with our holistic philosophy of care, have helped countless individuals reclaim their lives. Don’t let another day pass without getting the support you deserve. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Help and healing are one call away.

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Sources

  1. National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
  2. American Psychiatric Association. (2022). What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
  3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. (2023). Post-Traumatic Disorder – What is PTSD?
  4. Wisco BE, Marx BP, Wolf EJ, Miller MW, Southwick SM, Pietrzak RH. Posttraumatic stress disorder in the US veteran population: results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. J Clin Psychiatry. 2014 Dec;75(12):1338-46. doi: 10.4088/JCP.14m09328. PMID: 25551234; PMCID: PMC9040390.
  5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). Disaster Technical Assistance Center Supplemental Research Bulletin. First Responders: Behavioral Health Concerns, Emergency Response, and Trauma.
  6. National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). PTSD is More Likely in Women Than Men.
  7. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). PTSD: National Center for PTSD. PTSD Basics.
  8. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). PTSD: National Center for PTSD. How Common is PTSD in Children and Teens?
  9. De Bellis MD, Zisk A. The biological effects of childhood trauma. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2014 Apr;23(2):185-222, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2014.01.002. Epub 2014 Feb 16. PMID: 24656576; PMCID: PMC3968319.
  10. National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. What is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD?

Brenna O’Brien, LCSW

Lead Therapist

Brenna is a Nashville native who earned both her undergraduate and master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from The University of Tennessee where she graduated in 2011. She has a thirteen-year background working in the behavioral health field with adults at all levels of care. Brenna started her career working at a local inpatient hospital, followed by a six year career with a residential co-occurring treatment center. Brenna served as the founder and director of the Clinical Consultant team where she developed protocols to assist patients in getting access to care efficiently without sacrificing customer service. As a result of her efforts, she was named the treatment center’s Innovator of the Year in 2018. She loves to be the voice of hope for patients and families in crisis by providing education and clinical direction.
Brenna’s fun-loving and accepting nature has served her well as a clinician treating individuals struggling with complex trauma, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and co-occurring disorders. Brenna is a certified NARM therapist and co-owner of SHEchiatry, PLLC, a boutique mental health practice for women in Nashville.

During her off time, you can find Brenna thrift shopping alongside her French Bulldog Reau. She also particularly enjoys early mornings with a matcha latte followed by all things local.

Flora Sadri-Azarbayejani, D.O., MPH, FAAFP, FASAM

Medical Director

Flora Sadri-Azarbayejani graduated from Boston University with a degree in biomedical engineering. She would later go on to complete two master’s degrees at Boston University, one in epidemiology and biostatistics and the other in medical science, along with her doctorate in medicine from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Sadri began her career as an epidemiologist in infectious disease for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. After medical school, she began her career as a family physician at The Community Health Center of Franklin County and then Gardner Family Medicine, a private practice in Gardner, MA. Dr. Sadri made the decision to work with the recovery community as a physician at CleanSlate Centers, then become part of the Promises Behavioral Health leadership team, and then continued her career at PsyclarityHealth.

Dr. Sadri-Azarbayejani is an involved member of medical societies, including the Massachusetts Medical Society, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)and has a publication in AAFP News detailing how family medicine can lead addiction care efforts.

LinkedIn profile link: linkedin.com/in/flora-sadri-azarbayejani-42023345

Fred Bowen

Founder & Board Member

Fred was raised in San Clemente, California. Fred was exposed to the drug culture at a very early age. By the time Fred had graduated from high school, his addiction had progressed to a point that most people do not return from. For another decade, he struggled with addiction and recovery with multiple attempts at abstinence. There were periods of homelessness along with periods of high functioning and experiencing success. Fred realized, ultimately, that addiction was always in control. At the age of thirty, on death’s door, Fred had hit rock bottom and had a moment of clarity that would save his life. That clarity was the sea of change in his life.

20 years later, Fred is not able to recognize his past life in comparison to where he is now. Early on, Fred had made the decision that addiction and recovery would be his sole vocation. He started sober living homes and found that working with people that suffered from the same addiction would be his passion. This was the beginning of Apex Recovery.

“I’m extremely proud of the person I have become simply by staying clean and having an open mind in regards to the recovery process.”

Fred’s hope for anyone suffering the way he did is to be able to find a way out of the vicious cycle of addiction. Recovery is a gift that all are entitled to. Apex can be a part of that.

Jennifer Adams

Chief Legal Officer

Jennifer has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She began her career as a paralegal in the legal department of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST), where she spent 15 years learning the health insurance industry. Jennifer held various positions at BCBST, including paralegal, senior privacy consultant, chief privacy, security and compliance officer for a technology subsidiary, and shared health and senior counsel.

Jennifer then further advanced her healthcare experience by joining the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for almost 10 years. Jennifer served as the director for payer Relations, where she was responsible for managing all payer relationships across the country for the VA. In her last position, Jennifer was a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) and served as the executive director for integrated external networks, which was responsible for the development, oversight, and management of the community care network program that provides veterans access to community providers when VA cannot provide the service timely or close to home.

Jennifer joined Apex Recovery in February 2023 as our chief legal officer. Jennifer graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan College with a Bachelor of Science business degree in human resource management, economics, and finance. She also holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the Nashville School of Law.

Branch Atkisson

National Director of Business Development

A passion for helping those in need started with Branch’s own personal experience growing up. This morphed into professional expertise in the areas of outreach and community development.

A true understanding of what treatment resources are available and how to connect those in need with them has allowed him to develop relationships that continue to benefit APEX’s patients. “I love sitting with addicts and their families in moments of crisis and helping them understand there is hope through the process of treatment!”

Shauna Soderquist

Director of Admissions

Shauna Soderquist is the director of admissions at Apex Recovery. With over nine years of industry experience, Shauna is committed to helping those who struggle with addiction and has experience with all facets of the admissions cycle. Her experience includes lead development, account management, building and growing teams, and recruitment and training. She brings a high-level understanding of insurance and financial implications of treatment. Shauna is a high performer who is driven to meet and exceed goals and while her career path has given her exposure to all parts of the treatment and recovery processes, her passion will always be in building and maintaining relationships with clients while helping them admit to treatment.

Shauna resides in Thompson’s Station, TN with her husband, and two children and is an active member of her community. When she is not helping those who struggle with addiction, she enjoys spending time with her family, working out, traveling, and enjoying live music.

Michael Cartwright

Chairman of the Board

There is no end in sight for Michael Cartwright. He has a sincere goal to provide endless resources to those who truly want to release the grip of addiction.

Known as a premiere addiction industry trailblazer, Michael Cartwright is a noted behavioral health entrepreneur. He founded Performance Revolution LLC, also known as Fit-Rx, in 2009 and, from that success, was then able to merge with a company named Forterus with a successful history of treating over 12 million individuals in need of addiction treatment. Another success in the industry was the founding of Foundations Recovery Network.

Soon thereafter, Forterus grew and developed into AAC or American Addiction Centers being led by their chairman of the board, Michael Cartwright.

Michael Cartwright is a pillar in dual diagnosis management and the founder of Foundations Associates. Under his management, the organization grew to include four alcohol and drug treatment facilities nationwide, including the Canyon, the leading recovery facility in Malibu, California. One highlight in Michael’s service career is when he served and testified on the Senate Help Subcommittee on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services.

Dr. Matthew Bruhin

CEO

Dr. Matthew J. Bruhin is the chief executive officer of APEX Recovery. Along with co-founder Fred Bowen, Dr. Bruhin utilized his experience in the creation of high-end rehabs to construct a center that was cutting-edge and affordable yet lacked nothing. His vision, eye for detail, and desire to lead have created an unparalleled vision for treating addictive disorders coupled with mental and emotional concerns. Dr. Bruhin treats every staff member and participant like family and hopes to bring his clinical and administrative vision to many.

Dr. Bruhin is a State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences-licensed marriage and family therapist as well as an addiction specialist registered by the Breining Institute. Dr. Bruhin earned his doctorate in addiction psychology, has a Master of Arts degree in counseling psychology, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a minor in addictive disorders. Additionally, he holds many other certifications and has tens of thousands of hours of clinical and training experience.

Dr. Bruhin has a diverse clinical training background, working in the mental health field for over 12 years. He specializes in the treatment of addiction and has specialized experience and clinical training in the treatment of prescription addiction, sexual addiction, and gambling addiction. He works with many individuals and families, ranging from those with chronic mental health conditions to high-level professionals, professional athletes, executives, Hollywood film producers, and TV personalities. He has developed his own specialized and effective techniques for the treatment of addiction and chemical dependency.

Dr. Bruhin loves to write and blog and he appears regularly on network TV as a leader in the addiction field. He has worked with clients from A&E’s hit TV show Intervention as well as the Tyra Show. Dr. Bruhin also performs local TV segments in order to get the public educated about addiction and to break down the stigma of mental health issues. Dr. Bruhin balances his passion for work with the love of his family, his enjoyment of travel, and his vintage Star Wars collection, which can be viewed in his private office.