Military Sexual Trauma
MST Treatment in St. Augustine FL
Military sexual trauma (MST) is a significant problem within the military. Whether they are active military members or veterans, both men and women have reported being sexually abused or harassed. At Dr. Paul's By The Sea, we provide MST treatment services for those who have suffered from this type of abuse. Our St. Augustine Mental Health Treatment Center will also address any disorders developed due to MST, including substance abuse and mental health disorders.
What is MST?
A term coined by the VA, military sexual trauma (MST), refers to sexual assault or harassment during a person's military service. Examples of sexual activities where the person did not give consent or was forced include:
- The person being threatened or receiving unfavorable treatment if they refuse to consent to sexual activities.
- Someone touching another inappropriately or in a sexual way when that person is in a vulnerable state. Such as when they are sleeping or under the influence of alcohol.
- Receiving unwanted sexual advances and threatening sexual behavior.
- Rape
Symptoms of Military Sexual Trauma
Those who have experienced MST are at an increased risk of developing substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health disorders. The psychological and physical toll can have a negative effect years after the event.
Symptoms that can result from MST include:
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Suicidal ideation
- Nightmares
- Traumatic memories
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug abuse
- Antisocial behavior
- Issues with anger
- Criminal behavior
- Insomnia
- Physical health problems
Types of Treatment for MST
MST survivors require treatment to help them process the trauma they experienced. They will also need help in overcoming any mental health issues or addictions that developed due to the sexual assault. Thousands of servicemen and women come forward every year with reports of sexual abuse and in need of treatment.
Each patient will need their own, unique way of processing what happened to them. Often they will require long-term therapy that will include individual and group therapy. Both are beneficial practices, as they help patients work through the embarrassment, fear, anger, and anxiety they feel towards the event and the person who committed it.
Patients will need to learn coping mechanisms to help manage their symptoms; some may need medication to help with anxiety and depression. There are several therapeutic solutions used for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), such as:
Trauma-Focused CBT
EMDR
Somatic Experiences (SE)
Joint Commission Accredited
Dr. Paul By The Sea is fully credentialed and licensed in the state of Florida by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO). JCAHO is unanimously considered the gold standard of addiction treatment by industry professionals. Knowing that the facility has obtained this certification should be a top priority for individuals to look at when researching to find the right inpatient or outpatient treatment facility for them.
We dedicate our facilities and treatment methods to ensuring that we provide the best available recovery options while maintaining professional levels of care. Please contact us today and hear how our caring staff of experts use their experience to implement evidence-based treatments to make sure each of our patients receives the most effective treatment regimens.
Treatment for Military Sexual Trauma at Dr. Paul's By The Sea
MST survivors require treatment to help them process the trauma they experienced. They will also need help in overcoming any mental health issues or addictions that developed due to the sexual assault. Thousands of servicemen and women come forward every year with reports of sexual abuse and in need of treatment.
Each patient will need their own, unique way of processing what happened to them. Often they will require long-term therapy that will include individual and group therapy. Both are beneficial practices, as they help patients work through the embarrassment, fear, anger, and anxiety they feel towards the event and the person who committed it.
Patients will need to learn coping mechanisms to help manage their symptoms; some may need medication to help with anxiety and depression. There are several therapeutic solutions used for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), such as:
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