Florida Blue (BCBS of Florida) PTSD Therapy and Treatment

A few other key facets are as follows:

• Avoidance behaviors: steering clear of reminders or discussions related to the traumatic incident
• Isolating oneself
• Changes in mood and cognition
• Persistent negative thoughts and beliefs (i.e., guilt or shame)
• Struggle with concentration
• Risky, reckless, or destructive behavior
• Memory issues
• Feelings of detachment from others
• Diminished interest in activities once enjoyed

For an adult to receive a PTSD diagnosis, they must exhibit all of the following criteria consistently for at least one month:

• A minimum of 1 re-experiencing symptom
• A minimum of 1 avoidance symptom
• A minimum of 2 arousal and reactivity symptoms
• A minimum of 2 cognition and mood symptoms

PTSD will affect around 6 out of every 100 people in the U.S. during some period in their lifetime.² It’s crucial to recognize that not all individuals who undergo trauma will develop PTSD, and not everyone with PTSD necessarily requires psychiatric intervention. While some may find their symptoms naturally diminish or fade over time, others experience improvement with the support of their social network, including family, friends, or clergy.

However, many individuals dealing with PTSD may benefit from professional treatment to address intense and debilitating psychological distress. It’s essential to understand that trauma-induced distress is not the individual’s fault, and PTSD is a treatable condition. Seeking treatment early increases the likelihood of successful recovery.³ If you or someone you love is experiencing signs or symptoms of PTSD, call our hotline today for immediate, personalized assistance.

Florida and PTSD Statistics

In 2018, a University of San Francisco public health professor noted that 5% to 10% of survivors from events like hurricanes would experience PTSD symptoms within the initial six months. Following the 2004 Florida hurricanes, prevalence rates for PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive episodes were 3.6%, 5.5%, and 6.1%, respectively.

In Brooksville, Florida, K9 Partners for Patriots offers veterans a free six-month training program, teaching them to train service dogs that respond positively to adrenaline, thereby assisting with participants’ PTSD triggers. A Florida Senate Bill 376, enacted in 2018, designates PTSD suffered by first responders as an occupational disease eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Females are twice as likely as males to experience PTSD, with U.S. Latinos, African Americans, and Native Americans/Alaska Natives showing higher rates than non-Latino whites.

Some BCBS Brands, Products, and Services

The BCBS network provides healthcare options to millions of Americans through a variety of brands, products, and services. These entities are designed to serve specific regions and offer a broad range of health insurance plans and services, including individual and group plans, Medicare options, and innovative wellness and mental health solutions.

• Florida Blue is a BCBS subsidiary serving Florida residents. Florida Blue offers health insurance plans, including PPO (preferred provider organization) and HMO (health maintenance organization), and services, like health savings accounts (HSAs) and preventive care benefits, to individuals, families, and businesses.
• The BlueCard Program enables access to healthcare providers almost everywhere, even outside the Florida Blue service area.⁵
• BlueOptions provides health coverage options with differing levels and networks, including in and out-of-network coverage.⁶
• BlueSelect is a healthcare network of selected providers and cost-effective options.
• BlueCare places a high emphasis on preventive care and early diagnosis to provide cost-effective healthcare through preset copayments, ensuring added convenience.
• BlueMedicare is Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, and prescription drug coverage.
• Better You Strides rewards program assists the insured in enhancing holistic well-being, encompassing physical and emotional wellness. Members can personalize their health journey, aligning it with their needs, objectives, and interests.⁷
• MyBlue Health is a program for managing health, chronic conditions, and healthcare expenses, like insurance premiums.

Partial Hospitalization Program for PTSD Treatment

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) tailored for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a concentrated, well-organized therapeutic program aimed at delivering comprehensive support to those with severe PTSD. It involves day-long treatment and support, encompassing therapy sessions, medication management, and various therapeutic interventions. Participants return home in the evenings, fostering a structured yet flexible approach to their treatment.

Operating as an intermediate level of care, the PHP for PTSD is more intensive than traditional outpatient services while maintaining a level of flexibility and independence not found in inpatient treatment. This balance caters to individuals who require focused attention for their PTSD but prefer the ability to return home each evening. Notably, Florida Blue typically provides coverage for PHPs designed for PTSD treatment, underlining its commitment to supporting individuals in their journey toward mental well-being.

Intensive Outpatient Program for PTSD Treatment

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) for PTSD is a structured therapeutic approach providing comprehensive care. Unlike inpatient programs, IOPs allow participants to reside at home while attending scheduled sessions throughout the week. This program involves a range of therapeutic interventions, including counseling, group therapy, and other evidence-based treatments, offering a level of intensity that exceeds standard outpatient services.

Florida Blue typically covers IOPs, emphasizing its commitment to supporting access to the necessary mental health treatment and services. This coverage ensures that you can take advantage of the structured, intensive care provided by IOPs without the financial burden, facilitating a balanced, practical approach to PTSD treatment.

Outpatient Program for PTSD Treatment

An outpatient program for PTSD treatment is a flexible, less intensive therapeutic option. Unlike inpatient or more intensive programs, outpatient treatment allows participants to live at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions. This approach accommodates individuals with milder forms of PTSD or those who require a less restrictive treatment environment. Outpatient programs typically involve one-on-one counseling and other evidence-based interventions.

Florida Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) generally covers outpatient programs for PTSD treatment, ensuring access to the necessary services without facing undue financial strain. By covering outpatient PTSD treatment, BCBS facilitates a more accessible and flexible approach to mental health treatment and support, allowing you or your loved one to receive the care needed while maintaining your regular routines and responsibilities.

EMDR Treatment for PTSD Treatment

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to alleviate the psychological distress associated with traumatic memories, particularly in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). During EMDR sessions, individuals engage in bilateral stimulation, often through guided eye movements, while discussing distressing memories.

Florida Blue typically covers EMDR treatment for PTSD, affirming its commitment to providing comprehensive mental health care. For more information on EMDR or any of the abovementioned post-traumatic stress disorder treatment programs, call The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center at 877-958-9212.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is a psychological condition that may manifest following exposure to or observation of a distressing event. A range of symptoms may be present, including intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares, significantly impacting one’s emotional well-being and overall quality of life. It can affect anyone who’s gone through a distressing event, such as military combat, natural disasters, or accidents.⁹

Florida Blue typically covers the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD. This coverage includes various therapeutic interventions such as counseling, therapy sessions, and medication management. By providing coverage for PTSD, BCBS aims to support individuals in accessing the necessary mental health services to manage and overcome the effects of trauma, facilitating a path toward healing and recovery.

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) can develop as a result of prolonged exposure to severe and traumatic stressors, often involving recurring interpersonal trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect. Unlike traditional PTSD, CPTSD is characterized by a broader range of symptoms, including emotional dysregulation, difficulties forming and maintaining relationships, negative self-perception, and a distorted sense of reality.¹⁰

Florida Blue typically covers the diagnosis and treatment of CPTSD, underscoring its commitment to supporting individuals in their journey toward healing and acknowledging the importance of specialized care for those affected by complex, enduring trauma.

Dissociative PTSD

Dissociative PTSD combines dissociative and typical PTSD symptoms, marked by disconnection in thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. It involves coping with stress through episodes of depersonalization, derealization, or amnesia, leading to feelings of detachment from oneself and surroundings or memory gaps related to the traumatic event.¹¹

Florida Blue typically covers the diagnosis and treatment of dissociative PTSD. This coverage includes therapeutic interventions aimed at addressing both the dissociative symptoms and the core symptoms of PTSD. Counseling, psychotherapy, and other evidence-based treatments may be part of the comprehensive approach, emphasizing the importance of tailored, specialized care to address the unique challenges presented by dissociative symptoms in the context of post-traumatic stress.