Mental Health Treatment

PTSD & Trauma Treatment

What happened to you doesn't have to define you. Specialized trauma therapy that helps you heal at the deepest level.

Medically reviewed by Dr. An Nguyen, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Director, Desert Recovery Centers

Living With Trauma You Can't Outrun

You've tried to move on. Maybe you've told yourself it was a long time ago, that you should be over it by now. But your body hasn't forgotten. The flashbacks still come. The nightmares still wake you. Certain sounds, smells, or situations still send you right back to the moment you're trying so hard to leave behind.

Post-traumatic stress disorder isn't a sign of weakness. It's your nervous system doing exactly what it was designed to do, protect you from danger. The problem is that it can't tell the difference between the original threat and the present moment. So it keeps you on high alert, keeps you braced for impact, long after the danger has passed.

At Desert Recovery Centers, our trauma specialists use the most advanced, evidence-based therapies available to help your brain and body finally process what happened, so you can stop surviving and start living again.

Recognizing the Signs

Symptoms of PTSD & Trauma

PTSD symptoms typically fall into four categories. You may experience some or all of these:

Re-Experiencing

Vivid flashbacks that feel like reliving the event

Intrusive, unwanted memories of the trauma

Nightmares or disturbing dreams

Intense emotional or physical reactions to trauma reminders

Avoidance

Avoiding places, people, or activities that trigger memories

Emotional numbing or feeling detached from others

Inability or refusal to talk about the traumatic event

Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

Hyperarousal

Being easily startled or constantly on guard

Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior

Hypervigilance, scanning for danger in safe situations

Negative Changes in Thinking & Mood

Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame

Distorted beliefs about yourself or the world

Difficulty trusting others or maintaining relationships

Feeling emotionally flat or unable to experience joy

Our Approach

How We Treat PTSD at DRC

Our trauma program is built by clinicians who specialize in trauma, not generalists who treat it on the side. Every modality we use has robust evidence behind it.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)

Our trained EMDR therapists guide you through structured sessions that help your brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and the power they hold over your daily life.

Trauma-Focused CBT

Cognitive behavioral therapy adapted specifically for trauma, helping you identify and restructure the distorted beliefs that trauma has planted, such as 'it was my fault' or 'the world is unsafe.'

Somatic Experiencing

Trauma lives in the body, not just the mind. Somatic therapies help release the physical tension and survival energy your body has been holding, restoring your nervous system to a state of balance.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Many people with PTSD turn to substances to manage symptoms. Our integrated approach treats both the trauma and any co-occurring substance use or mental health conditions simultaneously.

Experiential & Holistic Therapies

Art therapy, equine-assisted activities, yoga, and mindfulness meditation offer non-verbal pathways to process trauma, especially important for experiences that are difficult to put into words.

Why Desert Recovery Centers

A Safe Place to Do the Hardest Work of Your Life

Trauma-Specialized Clinicians

Our licensed psychologists and therapists have advanced training in EMDR, somatic experiencing, and trauma-focused modalities. This isn't general therapy, it's specialized treatment from people who understand trauma at its deepest level.

Safety as a Foundation

Trauma treatment only works when you feel safe. Our small program sizes, consistent clinical teams, and predictable daily structure create the stability your nervous system needs to begin healing.

24/7 Support for Difficult Moments

Processing trauma can bring up intense emotions. Our clinical and nursing staff are available around the clock, so you're never alone with a flashback, a nightmare, or an overwhelming feeling.

Confidential & Respectful

We treat veterans, first responders, professionals, and individuals from all walks of life. Your privacy is fiercely protected, and your experiences are met with clinical expertise, never judgment.

Healing Beyond the Diagnosis

We don't just reduce your PTSD symptoms. We help you rebuild trust, restore relationships, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that trauma tried to take away.

What is PTSD treatment at Desert Recovery Centers?

Desert Recovery Centers (a Joint Commission accredited luxury treatment center in Arizona) provides specialized PTSD and trauma treatment led by clinicians with advanced training in trauma-focused modalities. With a maximum of 10 beds per facility and 24/7 clinical support, clients can safely process trauma in a structured, luxury residential environment.

How does Desert Recovery Centers treat PTSD?

DRC treats PTSD using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, somatic experiencing, and experiential therapies including art therapy and yoga. Each treatment plan is individualized by licensed clinical psychologists who specialize in trauma recovery.

How long does PTSD treatment take at Desert Recovery Centers?

Residential PTSD treatment at DRC typically lasts 30 days, depending on the severity and complexity of the trauma. Clients with complex or developmental trauma may benefit from extended stays. Outpatient PHP and IOP programs provide 6 to 12 weeks of continued support after residential care.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What PTSD treatments does Desert Recovery Centers offer?

We offer EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, somatic therapies, DBT, group therapy, and holistic approaches including yoga and mindfulness for trauma recovery.

Can PTSD be treated alongside addiction?

Yes. PTSD and addiction frequently co-occur. Our dual-diagnosis program addresses both conditions simultaneously through integrated clinical care.

How long is PTSD residential treatment?

Residential PTSD treatment typically lasts 30 days, depending on the severity and complexity of trauma. Some clients with complex or developmental trauma benefit from longer stays. Our outpatient PHP and IOP programs provide 6 to 12 weeks of continued support. Your clinical team adjusts the timeline based on your progress and needs.

What is EMDR therapy for PTSD?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy proven effective for PTSD that helps the brain process and reframe traumatic memories through guided eye movements.

Does Desert Recovery Centers treat trauma?

Yes. Desert Recovery Centers specializes in trauma treatment using evidence-based modalities including EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, and somatic experiencing. Our clinicians are trained in treating complex trauma, combat-related PTSD, childhood trauma, and other trauma-related conditions.

Your Recovery Starts With One Call

Our admissions team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you're ready to start treatment or just have questions, we're here for you.

Most clients begin treatment within 48 hours of their first call.

References

  1. SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health
  2. National Institute on Drug Abuse
  3. National Institute of Mental Health