OUR TRAUMA TREATMENT PROGRAM

The Trauma Treatment Program at BIG SKY is rooted in innovative therapies, including Experiential Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other treatments that significantly reduce trauma symptoms in adults withdrawing from substance abuse. We integrate this and other therapies to create personalized care plans that address the unique experiences and needs of each patient.

group participating in a supportive ptsd therapy session with guidance from a therapist
group therapy session for trauma treatment, showing an older man addressing others in a supportive circle of participants
woman in trauma counseling session with a therapist taking notes
woman in a talk therapy session to treat ptsd, sitting in contemplation while the therapist listens and takes notes

WHAT IS TRAUMA?

Trauma refers to emotional and psychological responses to deeply distressing or disturbing events. It can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental and emotional state, influencing behavior, relationships, and overall well-being.

TRAUMA RISKS

Unaddressed trauma can lead to chronic mental health conditions, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. It also increases the risk of substance abuse and can negatively impact physical health, emphasizing the need for timely and effective intervention.

group of friends hiking in nature, experiencing the healing process from trauma together
group of friends hiking in nature, experiencing the healing process from posttraumatic stress disorder together

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TRAUMA

There are several trauma-related symptoms and their signs that can affect individuals physically, psychologically, and socially.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

There are several signs and symptoms of trauma that can affect individuals physically, psychologically, and socially.

PHYSICAL

  • Unexplained Physical Pain or Chronic Fatigue: Persistent body aches or a feeling of exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest.

  • Changes in Sleeping or Eating Patterns: Insomnia, nightmares, or hypersomnia, and significant changes in appetite, either increased or decreased.

  • Jumpiness or a Heightened Startle Response: An exaggerated reaction to noises or unexpected events, often a sign of increased anxiety.

  • Somatic Symptoms: Physical symptoms like headaches or gastrointestinal issues without a clear medical cause.

PSYCHOLOGICAL

  • Intrusive Thoughts or Flashbacks: Recurrent, unwanted memories of the traumatic event, often causing distress and emotional pain.

  • Persistent Negative Emotions: Ongoing feelings of sadness, anger, fear, or guilt that are difficult to manage.

  • Difficulty Concentrating or Memory Problems: Challenges in focusing or remembering details, especially those related to the traumatic event.

  • Feelings of Numbness or Detachment: A sense of emotional numbing or feeling disconnected from others and one’s surroundings.

SOCIAL

  • Withdrawal from Relationships and Activities: Pulling away from friends, family, and activities once found enjoyable or fulfilling.

  • Difficulty in Trust and Intimacy: Challenges in forming close relationships due to mistrust or fear stemming from the trauma.

  • Avoidance of Trauma Reminders: Steering clear of places, people, or situations that are reminders of the traumatic event.

  • Emotional Volatility in Interactions: Exhibiting irritability, mood swings, or anger in social settings, which can strain interpersonal relationships.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARDS YOUR NEW LIFE

Simply reach out to our admissions team for a free consultation. Everything is private and confidential. We’re here to help, answer questions, and listen. Calls are answered 24/7.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARDS YOUR NEW LIFE

Simply reach out to our admissions team for a free consultation. Everything is private and confidential. We’re here to help, answer questions, and listen. Calls answered 24/7.

OUR TRAUMA TREATMENT PROCESS

Our approach to trauma treatment begins with a personalized evaluation to understand the unique impact of trauma on each individual. We then design a multifaceted treatment plan, which may include a combination of trauma-focused therapies, individual counseling, and group support. Special emphasis is placed on integrating coping strategies and resilience-building techniques to ensure post-treatment success.

two women enjoying pottery, engaging in activities for emotional healing
two women enjoying pottery, engaging in activities for emotional healing from traumatic events
therapist with clipboard providing psychological recovery support to a man
man sitting on a couch, engaged in a trauma therapy session, listening to the mental health professional who is taking notes

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT

We employ a diverse range of therapies to treat trauma, focusing on methods that facilitate emotional processing and resilience building. Our therapies are designed to help individuals reframe traumatic experiences, improve emotional regulation, and develop coping strategies.

AFTERCARE TREATMENT SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Continuing care post-treatment is vital in trauma recovery. BIG SKY Treatment offers extensive aftercare support, including personalized follow-up sessions and access to supportive communities. These programs are designed to reinforce coping strategies and ensure sustained progress in the healing journey.

couple canoeing together, enjoying nature as a form of stress disorder treatment
couple canoeing together, enjoying nature as a form of stress disorder treatment

TREATMENT OPTIONS

We understand that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to recovery. That’s why we offer a range of personalized treatment options. Choose the path that empowers your journey:

group hiking on a rugged mountain trail symbolizing the personal journey of processing trauma memory through challenging terrain

BIG SKY EXPERIENTIAL THERAPY

Participate in innovative therapeutic activities such as equine and art therapy to facilitate emotional healing and personal growth. These hands-on experiences help individuals reconnect with their inner selves.

woman engages with others during a comforting group therapy meeting

BIG SKY OUTPATIENT TREATMENT

Navigate recovery with flexible daytime or evening therapy sessions designed to fit around your schedule. This adaptable option provides ongoing support as you rebuild your life outside treatment.

individual attends a virtual health session with a provider on a mobile device

BIG SKY TELEHEALTH TREATMENT

Embrace healing from the comfort of your own space. Connect with experienced therapists and participate in personalized sessions virtually, making quality care accessible wherever you are.

BUILD A FOUNDATION FOR LASTING CHANGE

At BIG SKY Treatment, we offer more than just treatment; we offer a chance at a new beginning. Let us help you lay the groundwork for a life free from the shadows of mental health illness and addiction. Our dedicated team is always here to provide guidance and answer your questions—day or night.

person by a tent at sunrise reflecting during a trauma counseling retreat
person by a tent at sunrise reflecting during a trauma counseling retreat

FIND TRAUMA TREATMENT AT BIG SKY

Explore a more manageable life with trauma at BIG SKY Treatment, where we provide nurturing care tailored to your unique experiences. Our comprehensive treatment approach and unique surroundings offer a conducive environment for healing. Contact us today and take the first step towards regaining your peace of mind.

CHECK YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE

We work with most insurance providers in the U.S. to provide the best possible coverage and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.

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allegiance
first choice health
tri west
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montana medicaid
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Browse our FAQ for clear, concise answers to common inquiries about our programs and services.

Trauma refers to the psychological and emotional impact of experiences that overwhelm a person’s capacity to cope — leaving lasting effects on mental health, behavior, relationships, and physical wellbeing. An estimated 70% of adults in the United States have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. BIG SKY Treatment addresses a full range of trauma types, including acute trauma from a single distressing event, complex trauma resulting from repeated or prolonged exposure to adversity, developmental and childhood trauma including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), relational trauma from abusive or neglectful relationships, and collective trauma affecting communities. Trauma treatment is available in person at our Kalispell, Montana location and via Virtual IOP across Montana, Colorado, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Massachusetts, including members of Indian Reservations in those states.

Trauma is the broad term for the psychological impact of any overwhelming or distressing experience. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a specific clinical diagnosis that develops in some people following trauma, characterized by a defined cluster of symptoms including intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in cognition and mood, and hyperarousal, persisting for more than one month. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD — many people carry significant unresolved trauma that profoundly affects their mental health, relationships, and substance use without meeting the full diagnostic criteria for PTSD. At BIG SKY Treatment, our clinical assessment evaluates both the presence of diagnosable PTSD and the broader impact of trauma history, ensuring treatment addresses what is actually driving each client’s experience — not just what fits a diagnostic label.

Adverse childhood experiences — known as ACEs — are traumatic events that occur before the age of 18, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; neglect; household dysfunction such as domestic violence, parental substance use, mental illness, incarceration, or divorce; and community violence. Landmark research from the CDC-Kaiser ACE Study established a powerful dose-response relationship between ACEs and adult health outcomes: the more ACEs a person has experienced, the significantly higher their risk of developing depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use disorders, and chronic physical illness in adulthood. ACEs are among the most common and most underrecognized drivers of adult addiction and mental health challenges — many people seeking treatment for addiction or depression have never connected those struggles to childhood experiences. BIG SKY Treatment’s trauma-informed approach specifically addresses ACEs as a root cause, not a background detail, in the assessment and treatment planning process.

Single-incident trauma results from a discrete, identifiable event: an accident, assault, natural disaster, or sudden loss. Complex trauma results from repeated, prolonged exposure to traumatic experiences, typically within relationships or systems that should have provided safety — such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, chronic neglect, or institutional trauma. Complex trauma often develops during critical windows of childhood development, affecting the formation of identity, attachment, emotional regulation, and the ability to trust others in ways that single-incident trauma typically does not. Complex trauma frequently underlies presentations of depression, anxiety, personality disorders, dissociation, and chronic substance use — and requires a treatment approach that addresses relational wounding and developmental gaps, not just symptom management. BIG SKY Treatment’s trauma-informed clinical framework is designed to address both single-incident and complex trauma within the same individualized treatment process.

BIG SKY Treatment’s trauma program draws on a range of evidence-based and trauma-informed therapeutic modalities. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a first-line treatment for trauma that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories stored in fragmented, emotionally raw form. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) addresses the distorted beliefs and avoidance behaviors trauma produces. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) builds the emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills that trauma frequently impairs. Motivational Interviewing (MI) supports engagement for clients who are ambivalent about revisiting traumatic experiences. Individual, group, and family therapy are delivered within a trauma-informed framework. For clients at our Kalispell location, Experiential Therapy — equine therapy, wilderness therapy, art therapy, and music therapy — is integrated as a core component, offering somatic and embodied processing that helps regulate the nervous system dysregulation trauma produces in ways talk therapy alone cannot always reach.

Trauma-informed care is a clinical philosophy and organizational practice, not just a therapeutic technique, built on the recognition that trauma is pervasive and that its effects show up in ways people may not consciously connect to their history. At BIG SKY Treatment, being trauma-informed means four things in practice: recognizing that the majority of people seeking treatment for addiction or mental health have significant trauma histories; responding by integrating trauma awareness into every clinical interaction, not just designated trauma sessions; resisting practices that could inadvertently re-traumatize clients by replicating dynamics of powerlessness, shame, or coercion; and supporting recovery by building safety, trust, and genuine therapeutic alliance as the foundation of all treatment. This approach is embedded across every program at BIG SKY Treatment. It is not an add-on service or a specialty track, but the lens through which all care is delivered.

Unresolved trauma is one of the most significant and most underrecognized drivers of both addiction and mental health disorders. When traumatic experiences cannot be fully processed because they overwhelm the nervous system’s capacity to integrate them, the brain and body remain in a state of chronic stress activation. This chronic dysregulation produces anxiety, depression, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, and difficulty regulating emotions, all of which are highly uncomfortable states that people often seek relief from through substance use. Substance use then temporarily reduces these symptoms while preventing the underlying trauma from being processed, deepening both the addiction and the unresolved trauma simultaneously. Research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) shows that individuals with four or more ACEs are five to seven times more likely to develop alcohol or drug dependence than those with none. At BIG SKY Treatment, trauma is treated as a root cause, not a background factor, in every addiction and mental health program.

Yes. Outpatient treatment — including Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) — is clinically appropriate for trauma in most cases, and evidence-based trauma therapies including EMDR and Trauma-Focused CBT are specifically designed for outpatient delivery. The outpatient setting has an important advantage for trauma recovery: it allows clients to practice grounding, emotional regulation, and coping skills in real-life contexts between sessions, building genuine capacity rather than skills that only work in a controlled clinical environment. For clients with more severe trauma histories who require higher levels of clinical support before transitioning to outpatient, BIG SKY Treatment can coordinate referrals and step-down planning. Trauma treatment is available in person at our Kalispell, Montana location and via Virtual IOP across Montana, Colorado, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Massachusetts, including members of Indian Reservations in those states.

Trauma is not only a psychological experience, it is a physiological one. When a person experiences an overwhelming threat, the body’s stress response systems activate to manage survival. In people with unresolved trauma, these systems can remain chronically activated long after the threat has passed, producing physical symptoms including persistent fatigue, chronic pain and muscle tension, headaches, gastrointestinal disturbances, a heightened startle response, disrupted sleep, and a compromised immune system. This is why trauma survivors often present with unexplained physical symptoms that do not respond to purely medical treatment. BIG SKY Treatment’s trauma-informed approach and Experiential Therapy Program address this body-level dimension of trauma directly: equine therapy, wilderness therapy, art therapy, and music therapy all engage the nervous system and somatic experience in ways that support the physiological as well as the psychological healing process.

Contact our admissions team at (406) 309-7500 — calls are answered 24/7 — or reach out through our website. We’ll begin with a free, confidential clinical assessment that evaluates the full scope of your trauma history, including any co-occurring mental health conditions or substance use, and determines the right level of care and therapeutic approach. We’ll verify your insurance benefits before your first session. BIG SKY Treatment accepts most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, PacificSource, Allegiance by Cigna, Montana Medicaid, TRICARE, and TriWest. Trauma treatment is available in person at our Kalispell, Montana location and via Virtual IOP across Montana, Colorado, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Massachusetts, including members of Indian Reservations in those states. Same-day consultations are often available.

Sources

  1. National Council for Mental Wellbeing. (2022). Trauma infographic. Retrieved October 18, 2024, from https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Trauma-infographic.pdf
  2. Bibb, J., & Castle, D. (2020). Addressing trauma in mental health practice. Australasian Psychiatry, 29(2), 109-112. https://doi.org/10.1177/1039856220980255
  3. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Trauma. Retrieved October 18, 2024, from https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma

BREAK FREE FROM MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS AND ADDICTION

At BIG SKY Treatment, we are committed to helping you recover, heal, and move forward. Our evidence-based programs provide the guidance and support you need to break free from addiction and build a healthier, more fulfilling life. Calls are answered 24/7.

FINALLY BREAK FREE FROM MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS AND ADDICTION

Let BIG SKY help you recover, grow, and thrive with proven evidence-based treatment programs that
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