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.
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






Contact Apex Recovery Tennessee to check your insurance coverage levels and discuss your trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment needs.
Does Insurance Cover Trauma and PTSD Treatment?
Yes, most insurance providers cover treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment 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.
Trauma & PTSD 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 Circle, Brentwood TN, 37027
- Apex Recovery Columbia: 2710 Trotwood Ave STE A & B Columbia, TN 38401
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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
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.
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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Assessment and Screening
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.
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
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.
The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction
One of the most common responses to trauma is addiction. People may turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with their emotions and numb the pain associated with their traumatic experiences. Substance abuse can create its own set of problems, leading to addiction and further emotional distress.
It’s important for people who have experienced trauma to be aware of this connection. Once they realize it, they need to seek treatment.
Do I Need Trauma Counseling?
If you are experiencing the signs of trauma, then yes, you need trauma counseling. Trauma counseling helps individuals identify and acknowledge the impact of the traumatic event and develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage emotional pain. Furthermore, trauma therapy can help you feel less alone and provide you with tools to reach a place of emotional stability in your life.
5 Benefits of a Trauma Therapy Program
1. Support
Support is essential when healing from trauma. A trauma therapy program provides a safe, supportive environment that allows individuals to share their experiences without fear of judgment.
2. Professional Help
Trauma therapy programs are led by licensed mental health professionals who have experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma.
3. Cope with Triggers
Trauma therapy helps individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage emotional triggers when they occur.
4. Understanding
Trauma counseling helps individuals understand the impact of trauma on their minds and bodies.
5. Healing
A trauma therapy program helps individuals work towards healing and finding long-term recovery.
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.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. (2023). Post-Traumatic Disorder – What is PTSD?
- 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.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). Disaster Technical Assistance Center Supplemental Research Bulletin. First Responders: Behavioral Health Concerns, Emergency Response, and Trauma.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). PTSD is More Likely in Women Than Men.
- S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). PTSD: National Center for PTSD. PTSD Basics.
- S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). PTSD: National Center for PTSD. How Common is PTSD in Children and Teens?
- 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.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. What is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD?

