Outpatient Care for Trauma Recovery and Emotional Safety
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can arise after a deeply distressing experience, leaving lasting effects on your emotional well-being, behavior, and relationships. Whether caused by childhood trauma, military service, assault, natural disasters, or chronic abuse, PTSD alters how the brain perceives safety and threat. At Lanier Recovery Center, we offer outpatient PTSD treatment in Atlanta using evidence-based therapy and trauma-informed care to help you regain control, stability, and peace of mind.
We treat trauma through our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and standard Outpatient Program (OP), ensuring flexible and structured options based on your needs.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health disorder triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While it’s natural to feel afraid or upset after a traumatic event, PTSD involves persistent symptoms that continue long after the danger has passed.
Common symptoms include:
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Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
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Nightmares or disturbed sleep
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Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
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Irritability, anger, or aggression
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Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response
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Difficulty concentrating
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Emotional numbness or detachment
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Guilt, shame, or self-blame
These symptoms can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life. PTSD is not a sign of weakness—it’s a normal response to abnormal experiences.
Daily Challenges of Living with PTSD
The symptoms of PTSD often show up in daily life in ways that interfere with your ability to feel safe or connected. These challenges can include:
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Feeling on edge in public or crowded spaces
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Avoiding driving, sleeping in the dark, or being touched due to triggers
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Missing work or school because of anxiety or panic attacks
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Isolating from loved ones out of fear or guilt
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Difficulty forming or maintaining relationships due to emotional numbness or mistrust
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Struggling to sleep through the night or concentrate at work
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Feeling stuck in a cycle of re-experiencing trauma and trying to escape it
These challenges can also lead to co-occurring disorders like depression, substance use, or anxiety. At Lanier Recovery Center, we treat the full person, not just the diagnosis.
How We Treat PTSD at Lanier Recovery Center
Effective PTSD treatment involves both safety and structure. Our trauma-informed outpatient care integrates clinically proven therapies with compassion and patience. We avoid retraumatization by creating a therapeutic space built on trust, transparency, and respect.
Our treatment includes:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe distorted thoughts and reduce reactivity to trauma triggers
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Supports emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness
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Somatic and Mindfulness Techniques: Promote grounding and nervous system regulation
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Narrative Therapy and Trauma Processing: Help clients safely revisit and reprocess traumatic memories at their own pace
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Group Therapy: Offers community support and reduces isolation through shared understanding
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Individual Therapy: Builds rapport with a trusted therapist to address trauma, shame, and personal growth
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Family Education and Support: Helps loved ones understand PTSD and offer meaningful support
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Medication Management (if needed): May include antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to reduce intrusive thoughts and hyperarousal
Levels of Care for PTSD Treatment
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Offers daily, structured therapy for those with significant trauma symptoms or those stepping down from inpatient care. PHP helps stabilize and create routines to promote healing.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Designed for individuals who need more than weekly therapy but cannot commit to full-day care. IOP meets multiple times per week and focuses on progress, skill-building, and support.
Outpatient Program (OP)
For clients with mild to moderate PTSD or those continuing care after completing a higher level of treatment. OP provides ongoing therapeutic support with greater independence.
Each level of care is customized to your current symptoms, schedule, and recovery needs.
Why Choose Lanier Recovery Center for PTSD Treatment?
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Trauma-Informed Professionals: Our clinicians are trained in recognizing and responding to the effects of trauma with care and clinical precision
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Integrated Care Model: We treat co-occurring conditions like addiction, depression, and anxiety alongside trauma
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Respect and Safety: You will never be pushed to share or reprocess trauma before you’re ready
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Evidence-Based Approach: We rely on therapies backed by research, not trends
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Whole-Person Healing: We focus on emotional, physical, and relational well-being—not just symptom relief
Frequently Asked Questions
How is PTSD diagnosed?
PTSD is diagnosed through a clinical assessment based on DSM-5 criteria, including symptom duration, severity, and impact on daily functioning.
Is trauma therapy safe?
Yes. We use trauma-informed care, which means treatment is designed to be emotionally safe and paced according to your comfort level.
How long does PTSD treatment take?
There is no fixed timeline, but many people benefit from several months of structured therapy. Your journey depends on your goals, history, and engagement in the process.
Will I be forced to talk about my trauma right away?
No. Our team focuses on stabilization first. Sharing details of trauma only occurs when you’re ready and only in ways that support your healing.
Can PTSD lead to substance abuse?
Yes. Many people with PTSD use substances to numb distressing symptoms. We treat co-occurring substance use as part of your care plan if needed.
Start PTSD Treatment in Atlanta Today
You don’t have to live in fear of your past. At Lanier Recovery Center, we help individuals process trauma, regulate emotions, and reconnect with life on their terms. Our outpatient PTSD programs provide real tools for real healing—no judgment, no pressure, just support.
Contact us today to start PTSD treatment in Atlanta and take your first step toward recovery.
