PTSD Treatment In Orange County

Orange County Mental Health Treatment

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About 3.5% of American adults suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). That’s about 8 million people over the age of 18.

PTSD symptoms can come about because of a traumatic life experience, but it may not be obvious right away what the person is struggling with. It can also come about a while after the event, but other times symptoms show up right away.

If you or a loved one is in need of PTSD treatment in Orange County, contact us today.

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can occur after someone experiences a traumatic event in their life or witnesses a traumatic event. These events can include:

  • A serious accident
  • Animal bites or animal attacks
  • Sexual assault
  • Physical abuse or violence
  • Emotional abuse
  • Bullying
  • Neglect


There are many other things that can contribute to signs and symptoms of PTSD, like
veterans from wars.

While not everyone who experiences traumatic events develops PTSD, there are certain factors that may make some people more prone to developing symptoms. The severity and the duration of the trauma will have an impact, but internal factors like resiliency and coping skills can also determine if PTSD develops.

What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?

If you believe you or someone else is dealing with PTSD, there are certain symptoms that may stick out to you. Many people display symptoms if they have flashbacks of the event or have a nightmare about it. It is also possible to have symptoms if you are put in a situation similar to the previous traumatic event or reminded of the event.

Here are symptoms to look out for if you think someone is struggling with PTSD:

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  • Odd sleep patterns
  • Loss of interest in things they used to be interested in 
  • Depression
  • Aggressiveness 
  • Avoidance of certain situations, places, or people
  • Flashbacks
  • Headaches and stomachaches

Intrusive thoughts that can accompany flashbacks are often just as traumatic as the event itself because it seems so real – almost as if it is happening again. People will avoid certain situations and places because of the possibility of intrusive thoughts causing flashbacks and unwanted memories to pop back up.

Recognizing symptoms of PTSD is the first step towards recovery. Our experts in Orange County are trained to identify signs like flashbacks, depression, and angry outbursts. We believe in a holistic approach to treatment, which includes managing physical symptoms alongside mental health concerns.

Your Recovery Starts Here

Contact our specialists to find how we can help treat your needs.

How Is PTSD Diagnosed?

When you decide to take the step to visit a medical professional to get some help for your symptoms, a doctor will need to go through a few questions to determine if you are suffering from PTSD or something else.

First, a doctor will want to do a physical evaluation to rule out that anything physical is causing your symptoms. 

A doctor will then give a psychiatric evaluation to better understand what you are feeling and thinking on any given day. After the psychiatric evaluation, a doctor can usually determine if you have PTSD.

PTSD and Dual Diagnosis

We acknowledge that PTSD can co-occur with other mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, substance use disorder, or eating disorders. Our dual diagnosis program in Orange County addresses these complexities, ensuring that all aspects of an individual’s mental health are treated.

CPTSD vs. PTSD: Understanding the Differences

While both CPTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) arise from traumatic experiences, they differ in certain key aspects. It’s crucial for individuals in Orange County seeking mental health treatment to understand these differences to receive appropriate care.

Comprehensive Mental Health Treatment in Orange County

At First Light Recovery, we recognize the diverse nature of mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our mental health professionals in Orange County are committed to offering a variety of treatment options tailored to individual needs. We understand that every traumatic experience is unique, and our treatment plans are designed to address these differences.

Inpatient Options: Flexible PTSD Treatment in Orange County

Understanding the diverse needs of our clients, we offer primarily inpatient treatment programs. Our inpatient services in Orange County provide a structured environment for intensive care, and if we deem a patient needs outpatient programs, our network of partnered outpatient facilities allows us to help individuals to integrate treatment into their day-to-day life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a very popular form of therapy that deals with the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of a person to see how they are all interconnected.

This type of therapy focuses on problems that affect you at the moment and are creating changes in behaviors.

The focus of this type of therapy is that it helps problems in one sector of your life to ultimately affect all the other aspects. Talk therapy is effective in determining cognitive behaviors that are negatively affecting you so that there is a way to change them and progress with your life.

Our treatment center in Orange County specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a highly effective treatment for PTSD. CBT helps individuals understand the negative thoughts and feelings that arise from their traumatic experience and learn coping strategies to manage them. Additionally, we offer psychotherapy sessions, providing a safe space for individuals to process their experiences and emotions.

Cognitive Processing Therapy

Cognitive processing therapy specifically targets how the patient is thinking about a specific event or experience. This therapy will allow the patient to change their thoughts and perceived experiences related to the event.

Antidepressants and Other Medications

In some cases, medication like antidepressants can play a crucial role in managing PTSD symptoms. Our mental health professionals in Orange County are skilled in assessing the need for medications and monitoring their effectiveness as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

EMDR and Exposure Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Exposure Therapy are among the specialized modalities we use for treating PTSD. EMDR helps in processing traumatic memories, while Exposure Therapy assists individuals in facing and gaining control over their fears. These therapies are crucial in our approach to treating PTSD in Orange County.

The Role of Family Therapy and Group Therapy in PTSD Treatment

At First Light Recovery, we emphasize the importance of support systems in the recovery journey. Our family therapy sessions in Orange County involve loved ones in the healing process, fostering understanding and support. Group therapy sessions provide a community of peers who share similar experiences, offering mutual support and understanding.

Reach out for PTSD Treatment in Orange County

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If you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD in Orange County, California, it may be time to get help. Suffering doesn’t need to last forever since there are ways that you can get treatment if you need it.

There are a few steps you can take online to schedule an appointment and learn more about the options you have in Orange County.

Are you ready to take the next step to get the help you or someone you love needs? Contact us with any questions you have about PTSD treatment.

Dr. Randall Turner First Light Recovery

Dr. Randall Turner received his medical degree from TUNCOM in Nevada and completed his Psychiatry Residency training at Loma Linda University. He’s board-certified in Psychiatry and also in Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine.

He and his practice provide services to hospitals and institutions all over California. He has extensive experience with varied populations, including in geriatric psychiatry and addiction medicine. Every day, he strives to thoroughly understand human psychology and psychopathology with the hope of relieving suffering and fostering the growth of those he treats.