Trauma can have a deep impact on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Responses to trauma are individualized, varying in symptoms, severity, duration, and more. At Harmony Treatment Centers in Monterey and San Jose, we offer specialized programs to help stabilize your symptoms and improve everyday functioning in a safe, supportive environment.
Trauma treatment at Harmony Treatment Centers is available in our Partial Hospitalization Programming (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP). Our treatment programs can bring clarity, validation, and direction if your symptoms are caused by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). To better understand the differences between PTSD and CPTSD, we encourage you to read below.
Defining the Basics: What Are PTSD and CPTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing a single traumatic event. You may have seen this referred to as a “shock trauma” resulting from an accident, assault, or natural disaster. CPTSD can develop after repeated or prolonged trauma, such as child abuse, neglect, or long-term domestic violence.
It is important to note that there are differences in how these conditions are diagnosed. PTSD is listed within the DSM-5, whereas CPTSD is recognized within the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ICD-11. CPTSD can be diagnosed with the DSM-5, though it requires additional clinical considerations.
PTSD and CPTSD are both valid and treatable mental health conditions. You may find that your symptoms are intense and complex, making it challenging to navigate your day. Our multidisciplinary clinical team at Harmony Treatment Centers can help you better understand your needs after your free mental health assessment. We can help you gain insight into your current symptoms, their causes, and appropriate treatment. Call 831-747-1727 today to speak with an admissions counselor.
Key Differences in Symptoms and Origins
One of the main differences between PTSD and CPTSD is their origin. PTSD is often linked to a single trauma, or a “Big T,” whereas CPTSD can develop with repeated, prolonged, interpersonal trauma, often beginning in early life. The duration and repetition of the trauma affect how your nervous system develops, affecting your emotional responses.
Core symptoms associated with PTSD include re-experiencing symptoms such as flashbacks, intrusive memories, and nightmares. Hyperarousal can also occur and can include irritability, sleep disturbances, and an increased startle response. You may also actively avoid triggers or trauma reminders in your environment.
CPTSD has additional symptoms, causing it to present differently from PTSD. You may experience emotional dysregulation, such as intense mood swings or difficulty coping with emotional turbulence. You may also have a negative self-concept, struggling with shame, guilt, and feelings of worthlessness. Interpersonal difficulties like relationship instability, fear of abandonment, and trust issues can also occur.
Over time, repeated trauma associated with CPTSD can change the way that the brain functions. This can lead to a heightened baseline of vigilance and emotional reactivity. Think of it as being in “fight or flight” mode continually rather than having moments of calmness. Safety is one of our basic needs, so if you do not feel safe in your environment, everyday tasks can be more challenging.
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Who Benefits from Specialized Trauma Treatment?
Specialized trauma treatment is recommended for those who experience mental health symptoms that affect everyday functioning, relationships, or work performance. You may experience relationship difficulties, an overwhelming sense of worthlessness, emotional numbness, anxiety, or struggle to keep a job. Symptoms associated with PTSD and CPTSD can vary in intensity and duration, impacting treatment recommendations.
Trauma can affect individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and professions. Mental health assessments are used to determine which type of treatment is ideal for the symptoms you’re experiencing. At Harmony Treatment Centers, we work with adults who are struggling with trauma-related disorders like PTSD and CPTSD. Contact Harmony Treatment Centers today to take the next step in your healing journey.
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches for Trauma
Trauma-informed care can include evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and somatic-based approaches. CBT can be used to address unhealthy thought patterns that developed after a trauma. EMDR is used to process a specific traumatic memory and may be repeated for additional memories.
Trauma-informed approaches focus on creating a safe and supportive environment that is predictable for you. Having a sense of safety helps you develop the skills to manage your symptoms. Trauma survivors have found that continual support in a clinical setting helps create safety and find stability for long-term emotional wellness.
Specialized Support at Harmony Treatment Centers
Harmony Treatment Centers in Monterey and San Jose are recognized as reputable treatment providers in Northern California. Our multidisciplinary team provides effective, personalized care within our PHP and IOP treatment programs. Oceanside supportive housing is available at our Monterey location, creating an inviting and safe environment.
Our clinical team has experience addressing PTSD and CPTSD. We combine evidence-based and holistic practices to help you gain self-awareness and the skills to navigate the challenges you face. We believe that effective treatment goes beyond addressing your symptoms and equips you with a skill set that can be applied to everyday challenges and stressors.
With the right support, in the right environment, you can begin to heal from your trauma and find new meaning in life. Our admissions counselors are passionate about helping individuals like you access the mental health care services you need. You can call us to start a conversation about your treatment options.
How to Start Your Recovery Journey in Monterey
If you have been struggling after experiencing a trauma, you’re in the right place. You can start your recovery journey in Monterey by calling Harmony Treatment Centers. Our admissions counselors can provide you with a complimentary clinical assessment to determine if our outpatient programs align with your symptoms, needs, and goals.
Early intervention can make a meaningful difference in your recovery. Learning and applying emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills can help you process your trauma and move forward. At Harmony Treatment Centers, our admissions counselors take steps to ensure you feel safe and supported as we find the right treatment path. When you’re ready to begin, we are here for you.
Cost and Insurance for Trauma Care
The cost of trauma treatment can vary based on the program type, duration of services, location of the facility, and more. Without insurance, mental health treatment programs cost an average of $162 per session, according to 2023-2024 data from Simple Practice. Outpatient programs like PHP and IOP incur higher costs to reflect the additional support they provide.
At Harmony Treatment Centers, we can verify your insurance policy for free, in line with our goal of providing transparency about expected treatment costs. We can help you understand the scope of your benefits, including out-of-pocket costs, limitations, and required authorizations. This information is essential to avoid unnecessary treatment delays and costs.
FAQs About PTSD and CPTSD
Can you have both PTSD and CPTSD? Under ICD‑11 rules, you can’t be diagnosed with PTSD and CPTSD at the same time. Think of CPTSD as intensified PTSD. Symptoms are similar to PTSD, with an added layer of difficulty with emotion regulation, relationships, and sense of self. CPTSD is tied to repeated or prolonged trauma, which differentiates it as well.
Is CPTSD an official diagnosis? CPTSD is an official diagnosis in the ICD-11. This is a diagnostic resource developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), though it is not included as a separate diagnosis within the DSM-5.
How long does trauma treatment take? Trauma treatment can vary greatly and does not follow a linear track. Factors that impact treatment durations include the details of your trauma, current safety, support systems, and your nervous system. Some find relief within a few months, while others require more support.
What is an “emotional flashback”? An emotional flashback is an intense emotional experience where you feel connected to past trauma, without experiencing visual or conscious memory of the event. You may feel shame, helplessness, distress, or fear when there is no active threat or danger. Emotional flashbacks are common with trauma-related disorders and often benefit from professional support.
Can adults recover from childhood trauma? Yes. Our brain is an amazing organ that can adapt throughout our lives through a process called neuroplasticity. Trauma-informed treatment can help you reprocess your trauma, improve emotion regulation, and learn new ways to respond to stress. The past cannot change; however, we can change the impact it has on current experiences.
Does insurance cover CPTSD treatment? Insurance commonly covers CPTSD treatment when it is medically necessary. Coverage can vary based on your plan type and treatment needs. Call 831-737-1727 to understand your insurance benefits today.
Statistics and Resources About PTSD and CPTSD
- Research estimates that the prevalence of CPTSD is about 8% on a global scale.
- CPTSD research has consistently found that childhood trauma, such as maltreatment and significant exposure to adversity, is a predictor for later development of complex PTSD.
- Studies have shown that some of the highest rates of Complex PTSD (CPTSD) are found in clinical settings, with a prevalence rate between 40% to 45%, compared to the general population.
- Trauma-informed care has shown improved treatment outcomes for PTSD with higher rates of engagement and retention as well.
- The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) indicated that approximately 3.6% of adults in the U.S. met clinical criteria for PTSD within the last year, with higher rates found among women than men.
