Trauma & PTSD

What Does Trauma Feel Like?

Experiencing trauma can leave emotional scars that don’t easily heal. For individuals with trauma or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), daily life can feel overwhelming and unpredictable. Trauma can stem from a variety of events—such as abuse, accidents, or witnessing violence—and the symptoms of PTSD often linger long after the event has passed. For some, it feels like reliving the trauma repeatedly through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts. Others experience hypervigilance, irritability, or emotional numbness, making it hard to connect with loved ones or feel safe in their surroundings.

The impact of trauma and PTSD isn’t limited to the individual. Relationships with family and friends can become strained as they may not fully understand the emotional and psychological toll that trauma takes. Career advancement can also be impacted, with sufferers often finding it difficult to concentrate, stay organized, or feel confident in their professional abilities. Over time, untreated PTSD can diminish quality of life, leading to isolation, depression, and an inability to move forward.

Different Types of PTSD

Not all PTSD presents in the same way. Some individuals experience acute PTSD, where symptoms appear soon after the traumatic event but resolve within a few months. However, when symptoms persist beyond this period or worsen, it can evolve into chronic or treatment-resistant PTSD.

• Acute PTSD often develops within the first month of experiencing trauma, and with proper treatment, many individuals find relief.

• Treatment-resistant PTSD, on the other hand, occurs when traditional treatments like therapy or medication fail to provide sufficient relief, leaving individuals struggling with the ongoing emotional and psychological effects of their trauma.

Advanced Treatments for Trauma and PTSD at Felicity Mental Health

At Felicity Mental Health, we understand the complexity of trauma and PTSD, and we offer advanced treatment options designed to help individuals regain control of their lives. Our clinics in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles provide Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) that are tailored to the unique needs of trauma survivors. We also offer EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) treatment which is one of the most effective trauma treatments on the market.

Our comprehensive mental health program combines group and individual therapy with specialized treatments like Ketamine and EMDR for qualified patients. It also includes a weight loss component tailored to support both mental and physical wellness. With compassionate care and advanced therapies, patients receive holistic treatment to foster long-term recovery and growth.

These structured programs provide a supportive environment where individuals can work through their trauma, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and start the journey toward recovery. Our IOP and PHP programs incorporate evidence-based therapies that address both the psychological and physiological symptoms of PTSD, empowering patients to reduce their dependence on antianxiety or antipsychotic medications.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

One of the most promising treatments for treatment-resistant PTSD is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), which is available at Felicity Mental Health. KAP involves the therapeutic use of low-dose ketamine, combined with psychotherapy, to help patients explore and process deeply rooted trauma in a safe and controlled environment. This advanced treatment has shown significant promise in helping individuals with PTSD find relief when other treatments have failed.

KAP can help to reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms, providing a fresh perspective and enabling individuals to move forward with their recovery. Over time, many patients find that they can reduce their long-term reliance on medications, feeling more in control of their mental health.

Disclaimer: Ketamine treatment is only available to medically qualified candidates as determined by our MD.

Find Relief from Trauma and PTSD at Felicity Mental Health

Living with trauma and PTSD can feel like an uphill battle, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Felicity Mental Health, our advanced treatments—including IOP, PHP, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy—offer hope and healing for individuals who have struggled with traditional treatments.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

Contact Felicity Mental Health today to learn more about our trauma and PTSD treatment programs, and let us help you take the next step on your journey to recovery.