Acute Stress Disorder Treatment, Therapy, and Counseling Program in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Searching for comprehensive and evidence-based treatment for acute stress disorder in Fort Lauderdale, Florida? We at The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center can help. Based in South Florida, we specialize in mental health treatments for a wide range of mental health concerns.

If you are struggling with psychological distress in the form of acute stress disorder symptoms, we can help. Read on to learn more about acute stress disorder treatment in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and call us at (877) 958-9212 to learn more about our housing options and insurance plans we accept or to inquire about our various program types.

Call Now: (877) 958-9212ACUTE STRESS DISORDER HOTLINE NUMBER

What is Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)?

ASD is a stress response that can develop after a traumatic event. Acute stress disorder symptoms typically appear within one month of the initial trauma and last anywhere from three days to four weeks. ASD is similar to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but is shorter in duration. If symptoms persist beyond four weeks, your diagnosis may change to PTSD.

This stress-related disorder can significantly impact your functioning and quality of life. Early trauma response and intervention are imperative to help you process and integrate your traumatic memory and prevent the development of longer-term mental health issues such as PTSD. Treatment typically involves trauma-informed intervention, and acute stress disorder medications may also be used to supplement psychotherapy.

Woman pulling her air while looking out a window.

What Are Examples of Acute Stress?

Acute stress can arise from various sudden, intense, or threatening situations that lead to emotional shock and stress. Examples of acute stress experiences could include surviving natural disasters, car accidents, sexual assault, violence, military combat, witnessing violent crimes, sudden death of a loved one, or experiencing medical trauma or a difficult medical diagnosis.

Whatever the trigger, these events typically involve a perceived threat to life, physical integrity, or emotional security. The acute trauma reaction is immediate and intense. If symptoms continue after three days after the traumatic event, it’s possible that acute stress disorder may have developed.

What Are Triggers and Causes of Acute Stress Disorder?

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a trauma-related disorder that is typically triggered by experiencing or witnessing an event that involves actual or threatened death, serious injury, grief, or sexual violation. Common causes of ASD include natural disasters, violent assaults, severe accidents, abuse, or the sudden loss of a loved one.

Your perception of the event as life-threatening or extremely distressing is ultimately what causes ASD to develop. Other factors, such as previous trauma exposure, pre-existing mental health conditions, heightened stress responses, or a lack of personal support, can increase vulnerability to ASD development. Additionally, the intensity and duration of the trauma, as well as your closeness to it, can influence your likelihood of developing ASD.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder

To be diagnosed with Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), symptoms have to manifest within one month of a traumatic event. Intrusive thoughts or memories of the event, flashbacks, and dissociation are all common. Other acute stress disorder symptoms can include mood changes, such as emotional numbness, depression, anxiety, or difficulty expressing yourself.

Heightened arousal symptoms such as hypervigilance, concentration difficulties, sleep disturbances, and irritability or aggressive behavior may occur. Physical symptoms of stress may include headaches, digestive issues, tension, chest pain, and fatigue are also not uncommon. Additionally, you may avoid anything related to the traumatic event – thoughts, feelings, people, places, or activities that trigger difficult memories.

Seeking treatment for acute stress disorder symptoms at a trauma recovery center or specialty treatment center like The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center can help manage them effectively. You’ll have the opportunity to process and understand your emotions while developing healthy coping strategies.

How to Cope With Acute Stress Disorder

Coping with ASD, first and foremost, requires you to extend patience, grace, and love to yourself. Experiencing psychological stress as the result of trauma is painful and difficult. Caring for yourself as you work to heal is vital to recovery. Dealing with your acute stress disorder symptoms will involve a combination of professional help and self-care strategies.

Seeking therapy, particularly trauma-focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can be highly effective. Your therapist may use techniques like exposure therapy or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help process the traumatic event. Acute stress disorder medication may also be prescribed to help you manage specific symptoms like depression, anxiety, or sleep issues.

Outside of your professional care at a behavioral health center, you should also develop a self-care routine. Practicing deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can be helpful to promote relaxation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep can also help ease stress symptoms. Engaging in activities or relationships that bring you joy and offer support is also vital. Adding these forms of self-care to your daily routines can greatly aid your recovery.

What Are the Impacts and Effects of Acute Stress Disorder?

While the initial traumatic event may leave an impact, experiencing ASD can also affect various aspects of your life. Emotionally, it can lead to intense anxiety, fear, and mood swings, while cognitively, you may experience confusion, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. ASD can also cause you to withdraw from relationships and activities that once brought you joy.

Daily routines such as your career and self-care may suffer, and you could also experience physical symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, and increased heart rate. If left untreated, ASD can evolve into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), potentially leading to long-term psychological issues. Without treatment, co-occurring disorders and acute stress disorder comorbidity can develop, further complicating treatment.

Woman anxiously plants her face in her hands

What Medications Are Prescribed For Acute Stress Reactions?

Acute stress disorder medications are typically prescribed to manage specific symptoms rather than treat the condition as a whole. The most commonly used medications include anti-anxiety medications, which may be prescribed for short-term use to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Antidepressants, particularly Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), can help manage mood-related symptoms like depression.

ASD can also cause sleep disturbances like insomnia or nightmares. Sleep aids or prazosin may be prescribed to alleviate these concerns. Medications should be used in conjunction with therapy, need to be taken as directed, and must be prescribed by a certified medical doctor. The goal of acute stress disorder medications is to provide symptom relief while you do intensive talk therapy work to process your trauma.

Prescription medication being held in someone's hand.

What is a Florida-Based Acute Stress Disorder Therapy and Treatment Program?

If you require treatment for acute stress disorder in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, or nearby, you’ll likely need an ASD therapy or treatment program at a mental health treatment center. Treatment for ASD is typically approached through a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy can process the event, develop coping strategies, and reduce acute stress disorder symptoms.

The overall treatment program aims to help you regain a sense of safety, control, and well-being, ultimately preventing the development of long-term PTSD. Other therapeutic modalities that a program may incorporate include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and exposure therapy. Group therapy can also be beneficial, providing the opportunity for validation and support from others. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness practices, are often included to help manage physical and emotional symptoms.

What Are Available Therapy and Treatment Centers for Acute Stress Disorder Around Ft. Lauderdale?

There are various mental health programs, therapy, and treatment centers suitable for acute stress disorder treatment in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The type of care best for you will depend on your acute stress disorder symptoms and treatment goals. You’ll work with your care team to weigh the pros and cons of each option to determine the best course of action.

PHP for Acute Stress Disorder in Florida

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers you a structured environment where you can find intensive treatment and support without having to reside at a residential treatment facility. For several hours at a time, five to seven days a week, you will work on processing your distress and developing healthy coping skills. PHPs are excellent transitionary programs.

IOP for Acute Stress Disorder in Florida

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) are similar to PHPs in that you attend sessions at an outpatient treatment center. IOPs typically meet four to six days a week for a few hours each day and are considered a step above outpatient therapy sessions. Through this flexible but structured program, you can work to overcome and integrate your distressful memories.

Outpatient Program for Acute Stress Disorder in Florida

Outpatient programs are traditional, hour-long therapy sessions once or twice a week. Through one-on-one sessions with your mental health therapist or counselor, you will process your emotions surrounding your traumatic memory and work on coping and emotional regulation skills. This is a good option if you are doing basic skills maintenance and don’t need intensive care or support.

Residential Treatment for Acute Stress Disorder in Florida

Residential treatment programs offer access to constant care and support. You will live at the facility and work in individual therapy and group therapy to develop skills and work through distressing memories. In addition, you will work on creating healthy habits centered around self-care and self-love. Residential treatment is the most intensive format.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Acute Stress Disorder in Florida

Regardless of if you are seeking care for ASD at an outpatient or inpatient treatment center, you may have access to medication-assisted treatment. Sometimes, prescriptions are used to supplement psychotherapy, allowing you to address your mental health concerns while your symptoms are under control. Anti-anxiety meds, antidepressants, and sleep aids are often used in managing ASD.

Woman covering her eyes while battling mental health issues

Which Therapies and Counseling Options Are Available for Acute Stress Disorder Therapy and Treatment in South Florida?

There are several therapy modalities that are proven to help manage symptoms and, ultimately, overcome acute stress disorder. Your practitioner(s) may use one or several of these in conjunction to help you process your trauma, manage your symptoms, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Here are some commonly used therapies for treating acute stress disorder.

Medication Management

Often used in conjunction with psychotherapy, medication management can ease acute stress disorder symptoms. Short-term use of anxiolytics, antidepressants, sleep aids, and beta-blockers can alleviate specific symptoms, such as anxiety, mood disturbances, insomnia, and physical manifestations of stress. Careful monitoring by a healthcare provider is crucial to ensure appropriate dosage and minimize side effects.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a highly effective treatment for ASD as it can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns related to your trauma. It can also help you develop adaptive coping strategies and gradually confront traumatic memories in a safe environment. CBT aims to reduce symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and restore a sense of control and well-being.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT can also be a beneficial modality for acute stress disorder. Focusing on developing skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, DBT aims to help you cope with the intense emotions and distress associated with the traumatic memory. The goal of DBT is ultimately to promote emotional stability and healthy coping mechanisms to better manage distressing memories.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is a crucial component of treating ASD. Through one-on-one sessions with a mental health professional, you will learn to safely process the traumatic event, develop personalized coping strategies, and work towards restoring a sense of control and well-being. This approach gives you the option for a truly tailored form of therapy catered to your unique needs.

Group Therapy

Group therapy can be a valuable addition to acute stress disorder treatment. By sharing experiences and coping strategies with others who have gone through similar traumatic events, you can feel less isolated, gain a sense of community, and learn from the perspectives and insights of others. Group therapy can ultimately promote a sense of collective healing and recovery.

Family Therapy

Family therapy can be beneficial as it helps to address the impact of trauma on your whole family system. This approach allows all family members to communicate openly, improve understanding, and develop strategies to support well-being and recovery. Family therapy can strengthen relationships and promote a collaborative, supportive healing process.

Rehabilitation and Skills Training

Rehabilitation and skills training for ASD focus on developing coping strategies, emotional regulation, and resilience-building. Approaches may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and psychoeducation to help you process your trauma and reduce acute stress disorder symptoms. Skills training emphasizes stress management techniques and social support to promote recovery, build resilience, and improve overall emotional health.

Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP)

TFP explores your relationships and emotional responses during the trauma recovery process. For ASD, TFP can help you understand how past experiences influence your current feelings and behaviors. By addressing transference within the therapeutic relationship, you will be able to gain insight, healing, and healthier coping mechanisms. This will ultimately help you foster resilience and enhance emotional regulation.

Does Health Insurance Cover Acute Stress Disorder Therapy and Treatment Programs Near Me?

Yes, health insurance providers will often cover acute stress disorder treatment in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. By law, insurance companies must provide in-depth coverage for mental health concerns. However, the extent of treatment coverage that your insurance will be responsible for will ultimately depend on your insurance policy and the type of treatment you seek.

It is advisable to acquaint yourself with the details of your insurance policy to understand what services and programs are and are not covered by your plan. This includes your premiums, deductibles, copayments, and any exclusions or prior authorizations. To confirm the details of your insurance coverage, reach out to our patient advocates for clarity at (877) 958-9212.

Which Insurance Providers Cover Acute Stress Disorder Therapy and Treatment Programs in Florida?

The majority of insurance providers will extend some level of coverage for acute stress disorder disorder treatment. Some of these companies that offer coverage in Florida include Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York.

The type and extent of the coverage offered, however, will depend on the type and duration of treatment, as well as the specific details spelled out in your insurance plan. We are happy to walk over the details with you to determine the level of coverage for your policy. Reach out to our patient advocates today.

Acute Stress Disorder Therapy and Treatment Program in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Located in sunny and tranquil South Florida, The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center offers a beautiful setting to focus on healing and self-love. Just west of Fort Lauderdale at 7710 NW 71st Ct, Tamarac, FL 33321, we pride ourselves in offering compassionate and effective mental health services to those struggling with acute stress.

If you would like to learn more about the insurance plans we accept, housing options, or the many therapy modalities we utilize, call us at (877) 958-9212. Your path to healing is just a phone call away.

Sylvia Brafman: 7710 NW 71st Ct, Tamarac, FL 33321, United States

Alternative Ways to Find Adjustment Disorder Therapy Programs in Florida

Alternative Ways to Find an Acute Stress Disorder Treatment Program Near Me

We understand how important it is to find the right healthcare facility to address your mental health needs. Finding a therapy clinic that is able to tailor their treatment options to your needs and values is paramount when dealing with trauma-related disorders. If you are looking for quality acute stress disorder treatment in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, follow these steps:

Consult with Healthcare Professionals: Consult with your therapist, primary care physician, psychiatrist, or mental health professional. Ask for recommendations for and referrals to reputable medical treatment centers that are equipped to address acute stress disorder treatment.
Use Online Search Engines: Search online using specific keywords like “acute stress disorder rehabilitation center near me” or “holistic treatment center for acute stress disorder in Florida.” Explore the websites of wellness centers in your area to learn about their programs and services.
Check Mental Health Directories: Browse mental health directories provided by mental health organizations or websites such as Psychology Today. Specifically, seek treatment centers specializing in stress-related disorders in South Florida.
Contact Local Mental Health Organizations: Connect with local mental health organizations or advocacy groups in your area. Ask if they have reputable recommendations for acute ASD treatments or therapists in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Explore Online Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews on sites such as Google, Yelp, or specialized healthcare review websites to learn about the treatment experiences of others.
Insurance Provider Assistance: Reach out to your health insurance provider to inquire about in-network acute stress disorder treatment providers in the Sunshine State.
Visit University Hospitals and Medical Centers: Research medical university hospitals and inquire about ASD treatment. These medical treatment centers may offer specialized programs or have local recommendations.
Connect with Local Mental Health Hotlines: Contact hotlines for guidance and resources. Florida helplines may be able to point you towards integrative treatment centers that can help you recover from acute stress disorder.
Seek Referrals from Support Groups: Join mental health support groups and ask for recommendations for trauma-related disorder treatment options in your region.
Verify Accreditation and Licensing: Ensure that the treatment center you select is accredited and licensed. It is important that your care team has the necessary qualifications and expertise to help you overcome acute stress disorder.

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Are There Confidential and Free Assessments and Evaluations for Acute Stress Disorder in Florida

Yes, you can absolutely find a free and confidential acute stress disorder assessment in the Sunshine State. Before admitting to a program for ASD treatment, your care team must get a sense of your official diagnosis, symptoms, mental health background, and your needs and goals for treatment. They will use this information to create a tailored treatment plan.

The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center offers a confidential and free mental health assessment that you can take advantage of with no strings attached. We want you to be set up for success, and we are confident that our acute stress disorder assessment can lay the groundwork to help you on your road to recovery.

What is the Admissions Process for an Acute Stress Disorder Therapy and Treatment Program at SBMHC?

Our mental health admission process is designed to ensure you feel safe and supported as you begin the treatment process. We understand that managing acute stress disorder can be difficult, and want you to know you are in good hands. Here are some steps you can expect at SBMHC for acute stress disorder treatment in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Initial Contact: Reach out to Sylvia Brafman via phone, our contact page, or in person to schedule an initial appointment.
Assessment and Evaluation: Complete an acute stress disorder assessment for your care team to learn more about you, your symptoms, and your background.
Insurance Verification and Coverage: Work side-by-side with the SBMHC admissions team to verify your insurance plan coverage details.
Treatment Plan Development: Collaborate with your care team to create a treatment plan based on your needs and goals.
Admissions Coordination: Wrap up any final practical matters such as paperwork, payment, or medical records.
Orientation and Program Introduction: Meet your care team and other program participants, and tour the facility.
Active Participation in Treatment: Engage in treatment through psychotherapy, skill-building, and medication management.
Progress Monitoring and Adjustments: Discuss your progress regularly with your care team, who will make changes to your treatment plan as needed.

How Much Does an Acute Stress Disorder Treatment Program Cost in Florida Without Health Insurance Coverage?

Without insurance, you will be responsible for the full cost of your acute stress disorder treatment. Outpatient programs range between $100 and $200 without coverage, whereas you can expect to pay closer to $200 to $450 daily for more intensive program structures.

However, a lack of finances should not be a barrier to care. Many facilities and providers offer financial flexibility, such as sliding scale fees or payment plans, to make costs more manageable. If you would like to discuss setting up a payment plan with Sylvia Brafman, call (877) 958-9212.

How Much Does Acute Stress Disorder Treatment Program Cost in Florida With Health Insurance Assistance?

The cost of acute stress disorder treatment with insurance coverage will depend on several factors, including the type and duration of treatment and the details of your insurance plan. Outpatient therapy could average a small copay of $30, while more intensive programs will increase in cost, even with insurance support.

If you would like to know more about how your individual insurance plan can support you in treatment for acute stress disorder in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we can help. Our patient advocates are happy to verify your insurance.

Statistics and Information on Acute Stress Disorder

A 2023 article in Primary Care shared that the prevalence of adjustment disorders ranges from 0.2% to 40%, depending on the stressful circumstances experienced.
In the year 2020, Florida was found to be the 13th most stressed state. It ranked number two in stress related to divorce.
A 2017 study found that the most common type of adjustment disorder was adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood at 34.2%.
A recent 2024 found that 63% of Floridians have considered leaving their job due to work-related stress.
In February 2021, 40.8% of adults in Florida experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Hurricanes in Florida have caused intense levels of stress. A Florida doctor shared in 2024 that in the last ten years, he has found rates of acute stress reactions are rapidly rising due to concerns related to weather.