- Tatyana Saffo
- Medically Reviewed
PTSD Trauma Treatment in Fresno, CA
Key Takeaways:
- My Time Recovery in Fresno, CA, provides trauma-informed, dual diagnosis PTSD treatment that addresses both trauma and co-occurring substance use or mental health disorders at the same time.
- PTSD care at My Time Recovery uses research-supported therapies, including Cognitive Processing Therapy, EMDR, Prolonged Exposure, DBT, individual counseling, and group therapy, to help process traumatic memories and reduce symptoms.
- Clients have access to a full continuum of care, including medical detox, residential treatment, PHP, IOP, and standard outpatient programs in a structured, home-like setting.
- My Time Recovery supports whole-person healing with medication management, art, yoga, sound therapy, fitness therapy, and weekly adventure outings, plus free family counseling and support groups.
Integrated PTSD, Trauma, and Addiction
PTSD trauma therapy for Fresno, CA, clients provides expert, research-supported treatment for dealing with traumatic memories, managing intense symptoms, and helping an individual gain control of life again. If trauma following an event leaves you feeling as though you are stuck experiencing fear, vigilance, and memories, it’s an experience you do not have to face alone.
As one of the leading facilities for dual diagnosis treatment for addiction and mental health issues in Fresno, California, My Time Recovery provides trauma-informed care, which includes EMDR therapy, and individual and group therapy. Additionally, our staff understands trauma and addiction, PTSD, and mental health issues to help you overcome your challenges completely, mind, body, and spirit.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. This is a psychological illness that occurs as a result of experiencing trauma, either as the original event or as a witness. Although 50 percent of American adults have indeed experienced one traumatic incident during their lifetime, most people actually manage without the development of PTSD. In fact, 3.6 percent of adults suffer from PTSD.
PTSD occurs when your mind and body are unable to turn off the survival mechanism after the threat has been removed. This means that your “fight or flight” response gets stuck. This is not something you can merely “get over” and deal with on your own. Treatments for PTSD remedy the stuck responses and help your body reset.
Common Causes of PTSD
Any event that feels traumatic to you can trigger PTSD. Common causes include:
- Military combat
- Sexual assault or abuse
- Physical abuse or violence
- Car accidents
- Serious illness or death of a loved one
- Natural disasters
- Childhood neglect
- Kidnapping or terrorist attacks
You don’t have to directly experience trauma to develop PTSD. Witnessing traumatic events happen to others can also trigger this condition. What matters most is how the event affected you personally, not how others might judge its severity.
Recognizing PTSD Symptoms
PTSD symptoms typically appear soon after a traumatic event, though sometimes they emerge months or years later. To receive a diagnosis, symptoms must last longer than one month and include three main types:
Re-experiencing Symptoms involve reliving the trauma through nightmares, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts. These memories can be triggered by specific sights, sounds, or smells—or they may come without warning. During flashbacks, you may feel like the event is happening again in real time.
Avoidance and Numbing Symptoms include staying away from people, places, or situations that remind you of the trauma. Many people withdraw from loved ones or use drugs and alcohol to numb their feelings. This avoidance provides temporary relief but prevents real healing.
Arousal Symptoms make you feel constantly on edge or alert. You may experience insomnia, irritability, angry outbursts, difficulty concentrating, or an exaggerated startle response to sudden noises or movements.
Many people with PTSD also struggle with depression, anxiety, guilt, shame, emotional detachment, or loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
The Connection Between PTSD and Other Mental Health Concerns
PTSD dual diagnosis treatment is crucial because about 50% of people with substance use disorders also have mental health conditions. At My Time Recovery in Fresno, California, trained behavioral therapists specialize in treating co-occurring disorders alongside PTSD. These conditions often include:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Insomnia
When mental health issues and addiction aren’t treated together, symptoms feed off each other. Untreated anxiety can lead to increased drug use, while substance abuse worsens anxiety. Integrated care addresses both conditions simultaneously, increasing your chances of long-term recovery.
What Are the Best Practices for Trauma Treatment?
Research shows that trauma-focused therapies work best for PTSD. The most effective treatments include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), all available through specialized programs like those at My Time Recovery.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized trauma therapy Fresno residents can access at My Time Recovery. EMDR helps process distressing memories and emotions, including fear, sadness, and anger. During sessions, you recall traumatic memories while following back-and-forth movements or sounds, which helps your brain reprocess the experience.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is another evidence-based approach used at My Time Recovery. DBT teaches skills to manage emotions, reduce harmful behaviors, and improve relationships—all essential for trauma recovery.
My Time Recovery offers individualized therapy sessions where you work one-on-one with therapists to uncover triggers and underlying issues. Group therapy sessions provide peer support and connection with others facing similar challenges.
Medication and PTSD Treatment
PTSD treatment centers like My Time Recovery combine therapy with medication when appropriate. The medications with the most research support for PTSD include paroxetine, sertraline, prazosin, and venlafaxine. These medications help manage symptoms like nightmares, sadness, worry, anger, and emotional numbness.
Medical doctors, psychologists, and trained clinicians work together to find the right medication and dosage for your specific needs. Many people find the combination of medication and therapy more effective than either treatment alone.
Comprehensive Treatment Programs
My Time Recovery provides a complete continuum of care, starting with medical detoxification. The detox program offers 24/7 monitoring in comfortable, home-like settings with both private and semi-private rooms. Medical supervision ensures your safety as you progress through withdrawal.
Residential Treatment programs include 30, 60, or 90-day options with round-the-clock support. You receive structured therapy, educational sessions, healthy meals from a private chef, and attend recovery meetings. The warm atmosphere helps you relax while maintaining the necessary structure for healing.
The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides intensive day treatment five days per week, six hours daily. This allows you to receive comprehensive care while gradually returning to daily responsibilities.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers flexible scheduling with either five days weekly for three hours or three days weekly for three hours. Evening IOP accommodates people with daytime work obligations. Most working adults who qualify for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can participate.
Standard Outpatient Programs provide ongoing support with two days of care for 1.5 hours daily. Age-specific programs recognize that different age groups face unique challenges in recovery.
Triggers and PTSD Relapse Prevention
Triggers and PTSD relapse prevention are critical parts of lasting recovery. Triggers are reminders of trauma that cause strong emotional or physical reactions. Common triggers include:
- Specific dates or anniversaries
- Certain smells, sounds, or sights
- Places associated with trauma
- News stories about similar events
- Stress from work or relationships
My Time Recovery’s approach to relapse prevention includes developing healthy coping strategies, building a strong support system, and learning to identify warning signs early. Weekly adventure therapy outings help you discover new hobbies and positive experiences—essential for enjoying life sober.
Activities include hiking trails in California’s Central Valley mountains, rock climbing, obstacle courses, museum visits, and various fitness activities. These experiences teach you that recovery doesn’t mean giving up enjoyment; it means finding healthier ways to feel good.
Specialized Services for Complete Healing
Treatment for trauma at My Time Recovery includes multiple therapeutic approaches that address your whole person, mind, body, and spirit.
Art Therapy provides an outlet to express thoughts and feelings you may struggle to put into words. The creative process itself becomes therapeutic, helping you explore emotions safely.
Yoga Therapy applies breath work, movement, and meditation to addiction and trauma recovery. You develop tools for managing stress, improving physical health, and maintaining emotional balance.
Sound Therapy brings your mind and body into deep peace. This reduces stress and anxiety while promoting healing through therapeutic sound frequencies.
Fitness Therapy incorporates activities from gentle yoga and tai chi to kickboxing and weight training. Research shows physical activity improves mood, enhances well-being, and decreases depression and anxiety.
Family Support and Community Integration
My Time Recovery offers free family counseling and support groups, as trauma impacts the whole family. Having the support of family and friends makes an essential difference during the trauma recovery process. Family therapy sessions are available.
These therapy sessions are essential for the development and maintenance of healthy communication patterns for the family, helping the family address outstanding issues and find ways for the entire family to support the individual during sobriety. Educated regarding trauma and PTSD, the whole family becomes an invaluable support for the individual.
Get the First Step to Recovery Started
If trauma is impacting your sleep patterns, your relationships, and your daily functioning, there are options available for coping. At My Time Recovery, you can find help for PTSD and trauma near the Fresno, CA community. Customized trauma-informed care and support are available.
You can contact our admissions team for answers to your questions, to check your insurance coverage, and to learn your options for getting started. So, contact us today and start the process of healing from PTSD and beginning a peaceful and hopeful new life.
FAQ’s
1. What is PTSD, and how do I know if I have it?
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event. You might have PTSD if you relive the event through nightmares or flashbacks, avoid people or places that remind you of it, feel on edge all the time, or struggle with sleep, anger, or concentration for more than a month.
2. What types of trauma can lead to PTSD?
PTSD can come from any event that felt deeply unsafe or distressing to you. Common causes include military combat, sexual or physical assault, serious accidents, childhood abuse or neglect, sudden loss of a loved one, serious illness, natural disasters, kidnapping, or witnessing violence. What matters most is how the event affected you, not how others see it.
3. How does My Time Recovery treat PTSD in Fresno, CA?
We use trauma-informed, evidence-based care. That includes therapies like EMDR, DBT, individual counseling, and group therapy. We also offer mind-body therapies such as yoga, sound therapy, fitness therapy, and art therapy to help you heal emotionally, mentally, and physically.
4. Can My Time Recovery treat PTSD and addiction at the same time?
Yes. We specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, which means we treat PTSD, other mental health issues, and substance use disorders together. Our team addresses depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, and addiction in one integrated plan, so symptoms don’t keep triggering each other.
5. What programs are available if I come to My Time Recovery for PTSD and addiction?
We offer a full continuum of care: medical detox with 24/7 monitoring, 30–90 day residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP and Evening IOP), and standard outpatient. Along the way, you’ll also have access to family counseling, adventure therapy, and holistic services that support long-term healing and relapse prevention.
