PTSD Treatment

Women's PTSD Treatment Facility in San Diego

Monima is an outpatient post-traumatic stress disorder treatment center specializing in trauma and designed specifically for women seeking mental health support in San Diego. We recognize that no two clients are the same, and PTSD looks different for everyone. That’s why our team provides trauma-informed, inclusive, and individualized care based on the needs, diagnoses, and goals of each client — regardless of where they are at in their wellness journey.

Navigating PTSD and trauma-related symptoms are challenging — especially difficult if you are facing them alone. Our mission is to provide care, support, and guidance every step of the way. We offer a variety of treatment modalities to address the needs, diagnoses, and wellness goals of each individual.

We foster a safe and inclusive environment where women feel empowered and supported during recovery. Monima offers the unique opportunity for clients to build lasting bonds and a sense of community while in treatment.

Are you asking yourself, “Do I Have PTSD?” Take our self-assessment to gain awareness of your symptoms and decide whether it’s time to seek help.

PTSD Treatment Modalities

Neuropsychological evaluation
Psychiatric medication management
Individual therapy
Group therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Logotherapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Trauma-Informed Yoga

Holistic PTSD Treatment

PTSD is complex and each journey is unique, not universal. Treatment programs at Monima provide individualized and comprehensive care that combines a variety of traditional and alternative techniques, from CBT, to Reiki, and Acupuncture. Our team recognizes the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit and our holistic depression treatment center and recovery programs are designed to foster overall and lasting mental wellness.

PTSD treatment at Monima considers biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors that are unique to each individual. Our approach to treatment promotes long-term wellness and complete healing that goes beyond just relieving the symptoms of PTSD. At Monima, we provide an integrated, personalized, and diverse range of services that set each patient up for a breakthrough in their wellness journey and the chance at a sustainable and life-changing recovery.

Outpatient PTSD Treatment

Monima offers outpatient treatment programs for clients coping with challenges associated with PTSD. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provide two distinct levels of care so each client receives the support they need.

The Difference Between IOP and PHP

The key differentiator between PHP and IOP is the amount of time clients spend per week engaging in therapy and with our medical providers. PHP and IOP have been intentionally designed to offer two distinct levels of care that address the various medical, physical, emotional, and psychological needs of each individual.

Intensive Outpatient Program

Monima’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) was built for women seeking part-time treatment for mental health and trauma. IOP is designed specifically for women ready for a level of support above traditional weekly therapy, or as a stepping stone between a full-time recovery program — such as PHP or residential treatment — and returning to their daily routines full-time. Clients in the IOP program receive 9-15 hours of therapeutic engagement per week.

Partial Hospitalization Program

Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is the highest level of care available. PHP is best suited for clients with mental health issues that have begun to interfere with daily life and persist despite therapy or medication. Most clients take a leave of absence from work, school, or their daily routines to fully commit themselves to the program. While in PHP, clients will be engaged in group and individual therapy for up to six hours per day, five days a week.

Monima has partnered with Ohana Recovery Residences to provide optional safe housing for women enrolled in Monima Wellness outpatient programs. Women who stay at Ohana experience an immersive, supportive recovery environment with a like-minded female community.

Verify Insurance

Let us help you verify that your or your love one’s insurance provider can provide financial assistance.

FAQs

What is the most popular treatment for PTSD?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most popular, widely regarded, and effective treatment modality for PTSD. CBT for PTSD involves a structured and goal-oriented approach that helps individuals understand and modify their distressing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to their traumatic experiences. CBT is considered to be a trauma-informed approach to recovery. In other words, traumatic events or experiences are the focus of treatment. Therapists work with patients to develop coping strategies, challenge irrational beliefs, and gradually confront triggers, facilitating a process of emotional healing and symptom reduction.

How do you calm a PTSD episode?

PTSD episodes and the associated symptoms are often overwhelming and disabling for survivors of trauma. However, there are positive coping and relaxation techniques that have been found incredibly effective in calming and reducing severity of symptoms during an episode.

Grounding, or focusing on sensory experiences and the present moment, is the most effective coping technique to alleviate the intensity of symptoms during a PTSD episode. Symptoms range from stressful memories, to anxiety, panic, anger, and flashbacks. Below are five examples of grounding techniques:

Deep breathing: Take slow, deep breaths. Inhale for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for a count of four. Focusing on your breath can help regulate your nervous system.
Using the “5-4-3-2-1” technique: Identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This sensory exercise can anchor you in the present moment.
Naming objects: Look around and name objects in the room. This helps shift your focus away from distressing thoughts and into the immediate environment.
Relaxing muscles: Tense and then release different muscle groups in your body. This practice can reduce physical tension and promote relaxation.
Counting: Count slowly and deliberately. For instance, count backward from 100 by intervals of three or count the number of items in a particular category around you.

What are the 5 stages of PTSD?

The 5 stages of PTSD are:

Impact/Emergency Stage: This stage occurs directly after the traumatic event and is characterized by difficulty facing the reality of the event and the emotions associated with such.
Denial/Numbing Stage: This stage does not happen to everyone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. However, when it does, the individual often protects themselves by either denying that the event occurred or numbing themselves from the reality/the impact of the trauma.
Rescue/Intrusive/Repetitive Stage: This stage can be understood as the beginning of coming to terms with and confronting the reality of the traumatic event. This can look like the survivor returning to the site of the event, speaking to others about the event, or acknowledging details from the situation — all while processing the initial shock and stress of what has occurred. Emotions such as confusion or hopelessness are common during this stage and it can often be the most destructive of all the phases.
Short-term Recovery/Intermediate Stage: In this stage, after acknowledging basic needs like survival and safety, the individual who has survived the traumatic event attempts to adjust back to their normal daily routines/emotions. Many times, it can be difficult to navigate this stage without proper support or concern from loved ones. This is the stage where the individual starts to accept how the trauma has/will continue to impact their lives. While positive emotions can begin to show during this phase — like a more positive outlook towards the future — it can also include negative symptoms like extreme fatigue, trouble sleeping, nightmares, anxiety, panic, or irritability.
Long-term Reconstruction/Recovery/Integration stage: This is the stage where the individual truly begins to put together a plan for recovery and how to work through the symptoms of PTSD and the impact that the traumatic event has had on their life. In this stage, individuals learn positive coping mechanisms and skills to address symptoms and have a more healthy and happy daily routine. While this can allow for a more positive outlook towards the future, it can also include concern, anxiety, fear, or depression. The final phase is often the longest and most frustrating phase as healing is often non-linear, and moments of regression are common. This is when support from loved ones is incredibly important, and help from a professional is recommended.

What does a PTSD flare up look like?

A PTSD flare-up can be understood as a sudden and intense recurrence (or episode) of symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder. Symptoms of a PTSD flare-up can vary from person to person, and symptoms can be emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and physiological. Here are some common symptoms that might manifest during a flare-up:

Intense anxiety/fear/irritability
Flashbacks
Nightmares/night terrors
Intrusive/negative thoughts
Hyperarousal/alertness
Avoidance behavior
Rapid heart rate/sweating/trembling/nausea
Social isolation
Dissociation/feeling detached

A few examples of a PTSD flare up include:

A combat veteran with PTSD may experience a flare-up when they hear fireworks that sound like gunfire, leading to increased anxiety, vivid war-related memories, and a sense of danger.
A person who survived a serious car accident might have a flare-up when they drive past the site of the accident, causing them to relive the traumatic event through intrusive memories and physical sensations.
An assault survivor could experience a flare-up when they encounter someone who resembles their assailant, causing intense fear, panic, and emotional distress.