Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Center

Learn more about posttraumatic stress disorder treatment at San Juan Capestrano Hospital in Puerto Rico

When symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder appear shortly or long after an individual experiences, witnesses, or learns about a trauma, mayhem can ensue in several areas of a person’s life. Also referred to as PTSD, this debilitating mental health condition affects many individuals, men, women, and younger persons alike, in different ways and can significantly impact a person’s wellbeing in a negative manner. Understanding that those who grapple with PTSD require specific care in order to alleviate symptoms, San Juan Capestrano Hospital has implemented specialized programming so that sufferers of this illness can find relief and lasting recovery. Individuals who receive mental health treatment when posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms are present often go on to lead happy, healthy lives, free from the strife caused by PTSD. At San Juan Capestrano Hospital, we strive to improve the lives of every PTSD sufferer through the use of innovative and patient-centered therapeutic interventions.

Since its inception in 1988, San Juan Capestrano Hospital, a 172-bed short-stay hospital, has been the foremost provider of mental health treatment on the main island of Puerto Rico. With services available for the care of several mental health conditions and/or chemical dependency concerns, adolescents, adults, and senior adults can receive superior treatment for these issues in a safe environment that is conducive to true healing and recovery. Our caring and compassionate staff, which is comprised of numerous qualified mental health professionals, addiction specialists, and experienced medical personnel, facilitates services within each program with the understanding that each patient has unique needs and strengths. We pride ourselves on being able to offer the highest quality of individualized care that allows each patient to return to his or her respective community with an improved sense of emotional and physical wellbeing. If you, a friend, or loved one is struggling with symptoms synonymous with a mental illness, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, and/or a co-occurring substance abuse problem, look no further that San Juan Capestrano Hospital. Our comprehensive and invaluable treatment is the solution to even the most plaguing of mental health concerns.

Helping a loved one get treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder

If you, a friend, or family member is struggling with the crippling symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, it is helpful to know that there are viable options for treatment that can be of great assistance to sufferers of this illness. The process of seeking treatment may seem overwhelming to some, however, there are some proactive steps one can take:

• Research treatment specifically for posttraumatic stress disorder that is designed to meet the specific needs of the sufferer.
• Contact your provider of choice and inquire about the types of treatment offered and how that provider cares for those who are battling PTSD.
• Ask about the evaluation and admissions process at the treatment center of your choosing.
• Present your findings to your friend or family member if you are researching treatment options for your loved one and invite him or her to contact the treatment provider should he or she have any additional questions.
• Schedule an evaluation for treatment and accompany your loved one as a way of providing support.

Finally, it is important, as a source of support, that you be part of your loved one’s care as he or she navigates the therapeutic process. By standing as an unwavering beacon of support, the person you care for will likely be successful in achieving his or her treatment goals.

Why consider treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder at San Juan Capestrano Hospital in Puerto Rico

Unfortunately, PTSD can elicit a number of harmful effects for an individual. Substance abuse is common among sufferers of posttraumatic stress disorder and there is a high probability that another mental illness will manifest over time. The symptoms of this condition, of which can include re-experiencing, avoidance, and extreme anxiety symptoms, can make it difficult for a person to live his or her life each day in a healthy manner. Relationships could become damaged, employment may not be easy to maintain or acquire, and/or academic functioning could be greatly hindered. These adversities can most definitely be avoided in the event a person receives treatment for this devastating mental illness.

In many cases, PTSD symptoms can worsen over time, especially when a person goes without mental healthcare for this disorder. And while there are many treatment options in existence that can successfully treat posttraumatic stress disorder, inpatient treatment is one of the most effective ways to jumpstart a person on the path towards true healing. With mental health professionals on hand in a safe and secure environment, those who partake in this type of care have the benefit of receiving ongoing support and treatment for PTSD and any other co-occurring mental health condition or substance abuse problem. The implementation of new coping skills, of which can be practiced while in treatment, and the ability to process thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a therapeutically healthy manner are two of the greatest advantages to inpatient treatment. These and other factors are what make inpatient treatment the best method for treating those with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Types of posttraumatic stress disorder treatment offered at San Juan Capestrano Hospital in Puerto Rico

At San Juan Capestrano Hospital, we wholeheartedly ascribe to the notion that each patient should have individualized treatment that meets his or her every need. Because of this belief, we afford each patient who entrusts us with his or her care with individually tailored plans for treatment that are distinct to the adolescents, adults, and senior adults who come to San Juan Capestrano Hospital for mental health services. These plans detail the specific courses of treatment that patients will engage in and include aftercare recommendations as formulated by our staff so that every patient experiences a full continuum of care. The planning of treatment begins during the time of assessment and can be altered should additional concerns arise during the course of treatment at our hospital.

In order to meet the varying needs of people suffering from mental health disorders and/or substance use concerns, San Juan Capestrano Hospital is pleased to provide different levels of care and specialized programming options. Our hospital features separate adult and adolescent inpatient programs that treat a myriad of mental health conditions, such as PTSD, and chemical dependency concerns, as well as adult substance abuse services that are designed to care for even the most serious and long-standing of addictions. The level of care most appropriate for a patient is decided upon during the initial psychiatric evaluation, wherein a patient’s needs are assessed, a physical examination is conducted, and a mental status assessment is administered in order to determine which program will produce the most favorable treatment outcomes for a given patient.

Once admitted to one of our programs, patients have the ability to partake in a number of treatment methods. These methods are rooted in evidence-based principles and techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and the 12-step model. The following methods for care are the ones primarily used at San Juan Capestrano Hospital and are implemented so that patients can find relief from concerns, such as those that are caused by the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder:

Medical detoxification: For those that are battling a chemical dependency problem or polysubstance use concerns in addition to PTSD, San Juan Capestrano Hospital offers medically supervised detoxification services that are aimed to help adults, aged 18 and older, withdraw from substances in the most effective and safest manner possible. These services are monitored by medical professionals who have experience in making withdrawal comfortable so that patients can partake in therapeutic interventions with addiction specialists who can help springboard them towards lasting healing and recovery from addiction.

Medication management: For some individuals, psychotropic medications can be of great assistance in alleviating the symptoms of many mental illnesses, including posttraumatic stress disorder. When this is the case, our qualified psychiatrists determine each patient’s need for medication, can prescribe medication(s), and will monitor any pharmaceutical interventions that become part of a patient’s treatment plan. These services are in place so that every patient has the ability to receive medication if it is deemed necessary for his or her care.

Individual therapy: All patients who take part in our inpatient programming engage in individual therapy sessions four times per week. Individual therapy is a treatment method used so that a patient can process emotions and thoughts on a one-on-one basis with a member of our staff. For example, if a patient is struggling with PTSD symptoms, he or she can discuss his or her progress in overcoming the emotional turmoil that is commonly associated with this mental health condition.

Group therapy: San Juan Capestrano Hospital offers a number of group therapy opportunities that allow patients to find support in one another and hone skills that have been learned. Such sessions can be especially beneficial for individuals who are struggling with posttraumatic stress disorder as they can provide them with the sense of comfort that comes with knowing that they are not alone in their struggles. Some of the topics covered in these groups include techniques for managing stress, improving communication, learning and adapting healthy coping methods, bettering self-esteem, dealing with grief and loss, and persevering through trauma. These groups are offered several times per week to maximize the benefits of treatment offered in a group setting.    

Family therapy: Family therapy is offered as a method of treatment during inpatient programming so that our patients can receive ample support from the people who care for them most. During family therapy sessions, patients and their loved ones can work through conflicts and improve communication so as to heal and better familial relationships through the implementation of skills that can service a family unit well for a lifetime.

We also include a number of other therapeutic interventions as a way to wholly treat the individuals who come to our hospital for care. Especially for those who are battling the symptoms and effects of PTSD and require additional support and/or resources, we supply the following interventions and group topics as part of our treatment; these interventions have proven effectiveness in helping our patients learn to manage stress and turmoil while gaining the tools needed to successfully manage debilitating symptoms and other concerns:   

• Occupational therapy
• Infection control
• Recreational therapy
• Canine therapy
• Anger management
• Medical issues management
• Crisis management
• Marijuana Anonymous
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Pilates
• Relaxation techniques
• Psychoeducation

Continuing care and levels of treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder

We strive to provide the most comprehensive services that embody the highest quality of care possible. To fulfill this goal, we begin discharge planning at the time of admissions and feature a number of continuing care options at varying levels of treatment so that each and every one of our patient’s needs can be treated once a higher level of care is no longer required.

San Juan Capestrano Hospital offers partial hospitalization programs for both adolescents and adults. The adolescent program is catered to youth between the ages of 13 and 17 years old who are struggling with mental health concerns, including PTSD. While in this program, young people partake in a number of therapies and are able to return home at the end of the day to be with their loved ones. The adult program is similarly structured and also treats a myriad of mental health conditions with group therapy being the primary method for care.

Our hospital also features an adult substance abuse intensive outpatient program for those aged 18 and older who may be struggling with the added challenges that accompany chemical dependency. This program is designed to continue the recovery process and help patients maintain sobriety after completing inpatient services. The groups available in this program are facilitated in stages so that patients can then practice the tools and skills learned in this program while living in their respective communities.

Lastly, San Juan Capestrano Hospital provides outpatient services at eleven different locations on the island, including San Juan, Hatillo, Mayagüez, Caguas, Humanao, Manatí, Condado, Carolina, Ponce, Bayamón, and Guaynabo. Outpatient care allows patients to process feelings and thoughts with a mental health professional on a weekly basis.

Whatever your mental healthcare needs, the staff at San Juan Capestrano Hospital is devoted to helping you or a loved one overcome mental health issues or substance abuse concerns. We will put forth every effort to ensure that healing and lasting recovery from posttraumatic stress disorder are achievable for each person who comes to us for care.