[WESTPORT, 03/04/2020] – United States senators Cathy Osten and Julie Kushner of Connecticut are set to introduce legislation that will expand the coverage of workers’ compensation to include prison guards, dispatchers, first responders, and emergency medical personnel. The move aims to address the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among these workers.

It means that once workers’ compensation benefits for PTSD have been finalized, emergency medical and correctional personnel can have themselves treated in facilities like the Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Health (CCBH).

Why is PTSD Treatment Important?
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder some people develop after experiencing or witnessing highly traumatic events. Often, PTSD symptoms may disappear or subside over time, but it is not unusual for people with traumatic experiences to develop PTSD many years after the incident.

Patients with this condition need professional treatment to recover from psychological distress, which can be emotionally crippling. Like many psychiatric disorders, PTSD is treatable. One of the effective treatments for PTSD is Dialectical Behavior Therapy or DBT.

CCBH’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy for PTSD Patients
DBT is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy found to be successful in treating impulsive behavior, depression, anxiety, anger, addiction, and PTSD. It has an all-encompassing goal to enhance patients’ quality of life. At the CCBH, the DBT program consists of four stages:

1. Weekly Individual Therapy – DBT treatment for PTSD begins with the client and therapist using a Diary Card to guide each session and progress towards collaborated goals. It helps the client to be mindful of their thoughts, urges, emotions, and behaviors all the time.

2. Group DBT Skills Classes – This is the core of the DBT process, consisting of behavioral skills classes facilitated by two DBT-licensed therapists. Group therapy sessions like this enable people with PTSD to develop behavioral skills by interacting with peers who have similar experiences. These sessions have proven to be effective and motivating for PTSD patients.

3. Phone Coaching – Clients and their parents get access to a DBT therapist for real-time, in-the-moment skill coaching. The method improves skill development, shortens treatment time, and increases its effectiveness.

4. Weekly DBT Consultation – This is the only stage of the therapy that does not involve the client. At this stage, the team meets to make sure the program is on track and that each therapist continues to provide client-focused, compassionate care.

While PTSD patients undergo DBT, they may be requested to participate in other types of treatment, as well, such as family therapy, parent guidance, and medication evaluation or management.
About the Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Health
CCBH is a private group practice of psychotherapists in Westport, Connecticut that provides comprehensive and individualized mental health services to people of all ages, couples, and families. It offers a warm and nurturing environment that meets the needs of PTSD patients and people with psychological conditions as they bravely work to navigate emotional and behavioral challenges.
Get in touch with the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Health today to schedule your DBT sessions.