Buncombe County, home to Asheville, NC, is healthier than the state and national average, according to County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. While the report shows that people tend to be slightly healthier, the county is exceptional when it comes to the availability of clinical care—including mental health providers. There is a mental health provider for around every 120 people in the county, which makes care much more accessible compared to the national average of one provider for every 320 people.1
With so many mental health professionals in the area, residents and visitors alike can find specialized treatment for almost any kind of mental health condition, including trauma. Trauma is deeply personal and often involves unique gender roles—both in the initial events and during treatment. There are providers who specialize in women’s and men’s mental health in Asheville who provide compassionate, gender-specific care to those who are seeking help for their trauma.
Trauma Is Personal
Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have lasting effects on a person’s mental and physical health. It can be due to a single event or repeated exposure to a stressful situation. Some common causes include:
- Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse or neglect
- Witnessing violence
- Being in a natural disaster
- Car accidents
- Losing a loved one
- Financial problems
- Domestic violence
Some events may not seem traumatic at the time, and a single minor event may not be. However, repeated, chronic exposure to things like neglect, financial instability, or domestic violence can still cause trauma—especially when children experience it.
Symptoms of Trauma-Related Condition
Trauma can have lasting effects on many people. Everyone has a unique experience with trauma and how they process it. Some people develop trauma-related conditions like PTSD, reactive attachment disorder (RAD), adjustment disorder—or even anxiety or depression related to trauma. Others process their traumatic experiences without developing a mental health condition.
Since trauma is such a personal experience, its long-term symptoms can vary from person to person, ranging in severity. Some people may experience only a few symptoms, while others may experience many. Common symptoms of trauma include:
- Flashbacks
- Substance abuse
- Nightmares
- Intrusive thoughts
- Avoidance
- Detachment
It can also be difficult to recognize if symptoms are related to trauma. They may be dismissed as just feeling down or having a bad day. But if you notice that you have a hard time going certain places, have reactions to specific smells, or have trouble connecting with even your closest loved ones, you may be experiencing symptoms related to trauma. Talking to a mental health professional can help you better understand and address these symptoms.
Specialized Trauma Treatment Makes a Difference
When you’re ready to start treatment for your trauma, it’s important to find a provider who specializes in trauma and understands your unique needs and goals.
Personalized Therapy
Trauma treatment is not one-size-fits-all. A specialized therapist will take the time to understand your personal experiences, triggers, and goals in order to create a personalized treatment plan that works best for you. You may respond well to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), while someone else may find more success with exposure therapy or EMDR. A skilled therapist will be able to adapt and tailor your treatment plan as needed.
Gender-Specific Care
Trauma can affect individuals in different ways based on their gender. For instance, men may experience trauma differently due to societal expectations and traditional gender roles. A specialized therapist who understands these unique experiences can provide a safe and supportive environment for men to process and heal from their trauma.
Compassionate Support
Above all, finding a mental health professional who provides compassionate support makes a major difference in your healing journey. Trauma can be an overwhelming and isolating experience, but having a therapist who truly cares about your well-being and is invested in your recovery can provide the support and guidance you need to move forward.
You can find specialized trauma treatment in Asheville, NC. Even if you don’t live in the area, there are residential programs in the serene Blue Ridge Mountains that offer a safe and supportive environment for individuals seeking treatment for trauma.
Why Choose a Trauma Center in Asheville
There are many reasons to choose a trauma center in Asheville. The city offers a variety of programs and services that can help people in their discovery and healing journey. Here are a few reasons why you should consider treatment at a trauma center in Asheville:
- Asheville is home to a variety of top-rated trauma treatment centers.
- Asheville offers a wide range of gender-specific programs and specialized services to help people heal from trauma.
- The area is a beautiful and healing place surrounded by nature. This can be a soothing environment in which to heal from trauma.
- Asheville has a long tradition of offering high-quality medical care.
There is a strong community of support in Asheville for those struggling with trauma. You will find understanding and compassion from others who have been through similar experiences.
Plus, many trauma treatment programs in Asheville take advantage of the natural beauty and resources of the area, incorporating activities like hiking, yoga, and meditation into their treatment plans, which can help you bring what you learn in therapy into your daily life.
What to Look for in a Trauma Treatment Program
When looking for trauma treatment, you have options. You’ll want to consider what type of program is best for you, whether inpatient or outpatient care, as well as the expertise and approach of the providers. Here are a few key things to look for when choosing a trauma treatment program:
- Various evidence-based and holistic therapies and treatments
- A caring and experienced staff
- An enduring commitment to helping each client heal and recover
- A center that specializes in the treatment of trauma and any related substance use
- Various programs and services to help you heal
- Licensed and accredited facilities
Red Oak Recovery® in Asheville, NC, provides gender-specific trauma treatment programs for men. Our compassionate team includes experienced therapists who specialize in treating trauma-related conditions and addiction.
Heal in Asheville at Red Oak Recovery®
If you or someone you love is struggling with trauma, we encourage you to reach out for help. Treatment can make a huge difference in your life. Red Oak is less than 40 minutes from downtown Asheville in Leicester. Please contact us online or at 828.382.9699 to find out how you or a loved one can get started.
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