Military Sexual Trauma

What is Military Sexual Trauma?

Military sexual trauma (MST) refers to psychological trauma resulting from a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment which occurred while the veteran was serving on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. MST encompasses any unwanted sexual activity or harassment experienced by a military service member, including rape, sexual assault, and repeated, threatening sexual harassment.

Understanding the Impact

The repercussions of MST can be long-lasting, affecting every aspect of a survivor’s life. Individuals may experience a wide range of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and difficulties with substance use. Recognizing these challenges, Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Center offers a sanctuary for healing and recovery.

Our Treatment Services

Our center provides an array of specialized treatment services tailored to address the unique needs of MST survivors. These include:

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Our PHP offers a structured day treatment providing intensive support and therapy for individuals who require more than outpatient care but less than 24-hour hospitalization. This program allows for focused treatment while maintaining the comfort of returning home at the end of the day.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The IOP is designed for those transitioning from PHP or for individuals who need a more flexible treatment schedule. This program provides a supportive group environment where clients can engage in therapy while continuing to uphold their daily responsibilities.

Medication Management

Our experienced psychiatrists and medical professionals offer comprehensive medication management to address any underlying psychiatric conditions, ensuring that treatment is aligned with each individual’s specific needs.

Gender-Specific Treatment

Recognizing the importance of a safe, understanding environment, we provide gender-specific treatment options to foster a supportive space for all clients, allowing for focused care that addresses the distinct experiences and challenges faced by survivors of MST.

Psychiatry and Individual Therapy

Our psychiatric services and individual therapy sessions are pivotal to our approach, offering personalized care that targets the complex emotional and psychological effects of MST.

The HEROES Program

The HEROES Program is our specialized initiative designed to support veterans and first responders who have experienced MST. This program acknowledges the unique pressures and challenges faced by military personnel and first responders, providing a comprehensive approach that includes evidence-based treatments, peer support, and access to a community of fellow heroes who understand the path to recovery.

Our dedicated team at Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Center is committed to offering a path toward healing and resilience for survivors of military sexual trauma. By combining expert care with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by military personnel and first responders, we strive to empower our clients to reclaim their lives and thrive beyond their experiences of trauma.

If you or a loved one has been affected by MST, please reach out to us. Your bravery deserves the utmost respect and the best care possible, and we are here to support you every step of the way on your journey to recovery.