Leading Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Outpatient Treatment Clinic Serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area

Posttraumatic stress disorder signs and symptoms can begin within the first month of experiencing something traumatic, or they can take much longer to develop. The signs of PTSD will be different for each person; however, PTSD often involves intrusive thoughts, mood changes and avoidance. The severity of these symptoms can fluctuate depending on certain environmental factors.  

Common PTSD signs and symptoms include: 

• Distressing, intrusive memories and thoughts of the event 
• Vivid flashbacks of the event 
• Nightmares related to the traumatic event 
• Avoiding places, things and people that may be reminders of the event 
• Memory loss 
• Negative thoughts about oneself and the world 
• Distancing oneself from friends and family  
• Inappropriate anger  
• Irritability  
• Lack of interest in once enjoyable activities 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Sleeping problems such as insomnia 

A traumatic event is the main cause of PTSD. This can include seeing, experiencing or hearing about something traumatic. A traumatic event can be actual or threats of violence, death, illness or injury.  

Individuals who have certain occupations, such as police officers, active military members, first responders, firefighters and healthcare workers, may be at greater risk for experiencing symptoms of PTSD.  

Common events that can cause PTSD include: 

• Exposure to military combat 
• Serious accidents 
• Physical or sexual assault  
• Childhood abuse  
• Domestic violence 
• Serious health problems 
• Life-threatening injuries 
• Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and earthquakes  
• Terrorist attacks 

Not everyone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic event will develop posttraumatic stress disorder, and the exact reason why some develop it and others don’t is unclear. However, certain factors may increase a person’s chances of having PTSD after trauma.  

PTSD risk factors include: 

• Experiencing intense or prolonged trauma 
• Having past traumatic experiences, especially in childhood 
• Having a job that increases the chances of being exposed to trauma 
• Suffering from other mental health concerns or substance use disorders 
• Lack of support from friends or family 
• Having a family history of mental health disorders  

Left untreated, PTSD can affect almost every area of a person’s life, including their relationships, employment, physical health and overall happiness.  

Common effects of posttraumatic stress disorder include: 

• Self-isolation 
• Trouble completing school 
• Difficulty at work and maintaining employment 
• Financial hardship 
• Violent behavior 
• Co-occurring mental health or substance use disorders 
• Self-harm 
• Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts 

Posttraumatic stress disorder affects an estimated 3.6% of American adults each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. 

Here are some other important PTSD statistics:  

• According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 10% of women will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives. 
• According to one study by the National Institute of Mental Health, 5% of adolescents had PTSD. 

At Sierra at Southlake, we offer comprehensive, trauma-informed care for PTSD. Therapies used to treat posttraumatic stress disorder include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and experiential therapies.  

At our outpatient treatment clinic, adults can receive PTSD care in the form of group therapy, individual therapy and family therapy. Group therapy is an important element of PTSD treatment, bringing adults out of isolation and giving them a strong support system. You will participate in a range of groups covering topics such as coping skills, emotion regulation and communication.  

At Sierra at Southlake, we ensure that every adult’s treatment plan includes PTSD therapies that are customized to meet their unique needs and aftercare planning to promote long-term healing.  

There are many benefits of PTSD treatment. Left untreated, PTSD can make it difficult to move past a traumatic event, leading to isolation and increased risk for other mental health concerns and substance use disorders. Individuals who do not receive treatment for PTSD symptoms may also be at greater risk for harming themselves or dying by suicide. 

With the right posttraumatic stress disorder treatment plan, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a happier, healthier life.  

Choosing the right PTSD treatment place can be challenging. Sierra at Southlake might be the right PTSD treatment center for you if you want the benefits of outpatient treatment and do not require 24-hour care.  

We offer several outpatient programs, including a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Both our PHP and IOP feature therapy sessions Monday-Thursday, allowing you to return home when not in sessions.  

When you choose Sierra at Southlake as your posttraumatic stress disorder treatment center, you will also be choosing our compassionate team. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you receive personalized care in a safe, judgment-free space.  

When you’re ready, we can help you find relief from the symptoms of PTSD.