When looking into different therapy options, it can feel a little daunting at first, especially when you are unsure of what you are looking for. There are numerous aspects to consider depending on your wants and needs, such as insurance benefits, the time commitment of the program, cost of the program, credentials of the therapist(s), treatment plans, therapeutic techniques, and more. However, one common theme that all potential clients look for is how the center prioritizes their needs and how those needs are being met. This can be determined by the level of care one receives from the therapist, particularly if the sessions are mainly individual or group and the frequency of the sessions.
Overall, trauma therapists are described as mental health professionals who received additional training on treatments specialized in assisting in the effects of trauma by minimizing the onset of different stress disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Typically, these clinicians utilize a form of trauma-focused therapy, which is an approach to therapy that emphasizes understanding of how traumatic experiences impact one’s well-being across various aspects, including mental, behavioral, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Throughout sessions, the clinician will provide the client skills as strategies to help one decrease traumatic stress symptoms, identify triggers, gain healthy coping skills, and process emotions and memories tied to traumatic experiences to achieve a healthier well-being. The traumatic experience can cause lifelong cognitive and physical health issues if left untreated. One may become easily irritated by past loved activities or events and become isolated from loved ones, potentially turning towards addictive behaviors to alleviate symptoms.
Most trauma therapy centers focus on group sessions with the possibility of having an individual session once or twice per week. Many of these include addiction treatment centers. One of the downsides of group therapy, apart from less individual time with the therapist to prioritize your needs, is the possibility of others’ recollection of events to trigger your own experience. If you are looking for a higher standard to have your needs met more quickly, an individual one-on-one approach to therapy may be better suited for you.
However, trauma can be confusing and stubborn, and you may have already tried various things to work through it. Talk therapy alone can be challenging to gain progress since trauma lives both in the body and mind and needs a more multi-field approach, including both talk and sensation techniques. A few methods aside from traditional talk therapy that have been used to combat trauma include EMDR, somatic therapy, art therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, brainspotting, acupuncture, movement (such as Pilates or yoga), and mindfulness.
Depending on the level of care you desire, there are several options to consider depending on the facility. The highest level of care one can receive in a center is the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), which includes six hours of therapy per day, five days a week. The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is focused on providing similar support in a shorter duration, roughly about 3-4 days per week for about 3-4 hours per day.
Although the pandemic flipped the world upside, it did bring to light a new way to perform and receive therapy: telehealth. From the comfort of one’s home, you can log onto an online session to receive the undivided attention of your therapist while maintaining safety and security. This can be particularly applicable to those who live miles away from the therapy center and require time off from life’s demands to receive treatment. Luckily, numerous facilities have become adept in this new wave of therapy, and it has become more common than many are aware of. Telehealth has made treatment more accessible to various populations while increasing flexibility for both the client and clinician to ensure maximum productivity and time allocated for the session to avoid hiccups such as being stuck in traffic.
Serenity Trauma Center specializes in trauma therapy approaches:
Serenity Trauma Healing Center
24903 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 102, Malibu CA 90265
(310) 310-9249
https://serenitytraumacenter.com
This center, specializing in trauma and addiction, offers a daytime treatment program for ongoing support, including a mandatory PHP program of 5-6 hours of therapy for ten days. Serenity Trauma Healing Center boasts numerous clinicians and treatment options, including somatic experiencing, EMDR, brainspotting, emotional freedom techniques, art therapy, movement, and other psychotherapy services. Serenity focuses on individual therapy, encouraging family participation and support for recovery, offering both in-person and telehealth options. In terms of insurance, most PPO out-of-network insurances are accepted, and benefits can be verified further.
If you or your loved one are in need of an in-network program, we recommend calling your insurance carriers member services. This phone number is typically located on the back of your insurance card, and you can call to inquire about network options. Remember to always call the center’s directly as well as insurance lists are not always up to date with current network providers.
Important questions to ask:
1) What levels of care do you offer?
2) What diagnoses do you treat?
3) What modalities does your center use?
4) Are you in network with my insurance? If not, what is the cash pay cost for treatment? Will the center bill my insurance in addition to the out-of-pocket fee or do I need to request a superbill?
5) Do you offer groups or individual sessions? If groups are offered, what are the focuses of the groups and what type of client’s will be present in the group? I.e., trauma clients, clients struggling with addiction, clients struggling with eating disorders, clients struggling with self-harm, etc.
Mission Harbor Behavioral Health
12114 Venice Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90066
Mission Harbor Behavioral Health Center focuses on solutions-based approach techniques to treat various symptoms such as chronic pain, mood disorders, family issues, relational trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders. Mission Harbor offers both PHP and IOP program options in an outpatient format. One unique aspect of this center is that for 13–17-year old’s, there is a special program combining four therapy models, including CBT, DBT, ERP, and ACT. There is also a weekly parent support group where anyone can meet the clinical team and ask questions about the program. Mission Harbor offers both in-person and telehealth treatment options currently.
Maria Gray
1137 2nd Street Suite 120, Santa Monica, CA, 90403
Maria Gray center combines somatic therapy and talk therapy, specializing in addiction and trauma for residents of California and Texas. A few of the modalities this center offers are brainspotting, EMDR, and NARM, focused in both a group and individual setting. Please note that telehealth services are only available currently.
Wright Institute Los Angeles (WILA)
11845 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 505W, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Wright Institute Los Angeles (WILA) is a flexible therapy center located in a central area of Los Angeles. This center focuses on many approaches varying from individual to couples to families and group sessions specialized for women. Wila is trained in various areas such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, etc. Staying in line with this center’s flexibility, both weekdays and evening sessions are available for clients with fees based on their current financial situation. One can book Wila for as many appointments as desired after discussing the treatment plan with a clinician at the center to determine the frequency and duration of treatment. Wila is strictly providing telehealth sessions due to the pandemic until further notice.