Acute Stress Disorder
Trauma-Informed ASD Treatment at Prospect Hill Recovery
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a mental health condition that may develop within four weeks after a traumatic event. Common symptoms include anxiety, intense fear or helplessness, dissociative symptoms (feeling detached from oneself or reality), reliving the event through memories or nightmares, and avoidance behaviors.
Prospect Hill Recovery offers premier, trauma-focused treatment in a serene, private setting, combining evidence-based therapies with exceptional comfort.
By WAYFINDERS MEDIA | July 31, 2025
Our Approach
Psychotherapy, Medication, and Supportive Care
At Prospect Hill Recovery, we combine clinical excellence with holistic care.
Thorough Assessment & Personalized Plan
We start with a comprehensive evaluation — psychiatric, psychological, neuropsychological, and medical. This helps us see the full picture of your needs and risk factors, so we can design a treatment plan built just for you.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
We use evidence-based therapies. Trauma-focused CBT is considered the first-line treatment for Acute Stress Disorder, while EMDR and exposure therapy can also be highly effective. These methods help you process painful memories, reduce flashbacks and anxiety, and reshape negative beliefs.
Supportive Psychotherapy & Skills Training
Supportive psychotherapy, emotional regulation skills, grounding exercises, and mindfulness practices empower you to manage anxiety, reduce dissociation, and feel more in control.
Medication Management (When Needed)
When symptoms feel intense, carefully chosen medications such as SSRIs, short-term sleep support or anti-anxiety treatments can provide relief for a more comfortable, effective recovery.
Holistic & Wellness Services
We know that true healing involves both the mind and the body. That’s why we integrate yoga, breathwork, expressive arts, massage, nutrition, fitness, and time in nature to restore physical and mental balance.
Family & Group Support
Healing is most powerful when it is shared. We involve family through psychoeducation and offer group and peer support to help loved ones share in your journey and foster stronger, healthier connections.
Aftercare & Relapse Prevention
We provide structured aftercare planning, outpatient coordination, remote check-ins, and community support networks to help you maintain your progress, prevent relapse, and thrive long-term.
Treatment Pathway for ASD at Prospect Hill
Your recovery is a structured step-by-step process designed around safety, comfort, and medically proven care.
- Intake & Assessment
You’ll begin with a comprehensive intake that assesses your mental, emotional, and physical health. We also assess the nature and severity of the traumatic event. - Stabilization & Symptom Relief
In early sessions, we focus on safety, stabilizing sleep and mood, grounding strategies, and reducing extreme distress (e.g. panic, hyperarousal). - Trauma Processing Phase
Once stabilized, therapy shifts to evidence-based interventions (trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, structured exposure) to process memories in a safe, controlled manner. - Skill-Building & Coping Enhancement
At the same time, you will build lifelong tools: emotional regulation, mindfulness, adaptive thinking, self-care routines, and stress-resilience techniques. - Integration & Closing
In the final phase, we integrate your learning, focus on meaning-making, strengthen your support systems, and plan for your return to daily life. - Aftercare & Ongoing Support
Your recovery continues after you leave. We provide structured aftercare, crisis planning, and help you maintain progress in your environment.
Why Choose Prospect Hill for ASD Treatment
At Prospect Hill Recovery, we create a safe, personalized space where healing is truly possible.
Individualized Attention
With only seven clients at a time, you receive the privacy, focus, and individualized care you deserve.
Expert Trauma Clinicians
Our team specializes in trauma-focused therapies like CBT and EMDR, giving you access to proven methods guided by experienced professionals.
Holistic Healing
We go beyond symptom relief by nurturing mind, body, and spirit with yoga, mindfulness, fitness, nutrition, and creative therapies.
Comfort in a Serene Setting
Our tranquil island location, private rooms, and chef-prepared meals provide an environment where you can truly rest and recover.
Continuum of Care
We link you with outpatient services and peer support to ensure enduring recovery beyond your stay.
At Prospect Hill, you’re not just treated — you’re prepared for a healthier, stronger future.
Who We Serve & When Inpatient Care Is Appropriate
ASD treatment is often delivered in outpatient settings. However, inpatient or residential care may be indicated when:
- The person has severe symptoms that impair self-care or safety
- There are co-occurring psychiatric disorders (e.g. severe depression, psychosis, suicidal ideation)
- There’s lack of stable, safe support in one’s living environment
- The person experiences intense dissociation or inability to engage in outpatient therapy
- A comprehensive, immersive approach is desired (especially if early intervention can reduce PTSD risk)
At Prospect Hill, we are well equipped to manage such complex cases within a supportive, 24/7 setting.
What to Expect During Your Stay
During your stay, our team ensures your experience is safe, personalized, and deeply restorative.
- Duration: Usually 30 to 60 days, depending on severity and progress (shorter and longer stays are possible).
- Therapy Schedule: Individual sessions, group work, and experiential therapies (mindfulness, expressive arts, yoga).
- Medical & Psychiatric Oversight: Ongoing monitoring, medication adjustments, and stabilization.
- Wellness & Recreational Activities: Purposeful leisure, nature-based therapy, fitness, spa, and creative therapies.
- Family Involvement: Regular family sessions and education to support your recovery and reintegration.
Meet the Clinical Team
A small team of expert clinicians works closely with you, combining trauma-focused therapies, holistic care, and personal attention. With only seven clients at a time, our care team is deeply involved in your progress and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Early Treatment Matters?
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) can occur in the first four weeks after a traumatic event. If left untreated, ASD can evolve into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Early treatment not only reduces immediate distress but also lowers the risk of long-term complications.
What Causes Acute Stress Disorder?
ASD arises after exposure to one or more traumatic experiences, such as:
- Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, fires)
- Serious accidents (car crashes, workplace injuries)
- Assault, abuse, or domestic violence
- Combat or war experiences
- Sudden loss of a loved one
- Medical emergencies (life-threatening illness, intensive care experiences)
Not everyone exposed to trauma develops ASD. Risk factors include previous trauma, pre-existing mental health conditions, high stress levels, and lack of social support.
What are the symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder?
Symptoms usually begin within 3 days to 4 weeks after trauma. They fall into five main categories:
- Intrusion: distressing memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Negative mood: inability to feel positive emotions
- Dissociation: feeling detached from reality, from oneself, or memory gaps about the trauma
- Avoidance: steering clear of thoughts, feelings, or reminders of the trauma
- Arousal: sleep problems, irritability, hypervigilance, poor concentration, or being easily startled
For a diagnosis, symptoms must cause significant distress or interfere with daily life.
How is Acute Stress Disorder Diagnosed?
ASD is diagnosed based on criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition). A mental health professional evaluates:
- History of exposure to trauma
- Presence of at least 9 symptoms across the categories
- Symptom duration (3 days to 4 weeks post-trauma)
- Exclusion of other conditions (e.g., substance use, medical issues, or other psychiatric disorders)
What is the prognosis for Acute Stress Disorder?
The prognosis for ASD is generally positive when early treatment is provided, and many individuals recover fully. Without treatment, however, up to 50% of cases may progress to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A stronger prognosis is linked to resilience factors such as healthy coping skills, strong social support, and effective problem-solving abilities.
Can Acute Stress Disorder be prevented?
While trauma itself cannot always be prevented, the impact of trauma can be reduced. Early treatment and support after a traumatic event can lower the severity of symptoms. Helpful prevention strategies include immediate psychological support, education about normal stress responses, and building resilience skills before high-risk activities such as military service or emergency response work.
Reclaim Your Life with Prospect Hill Recovery
Healing from trauma takes courage but you don’t have to do it alone. We combine clinical expertise, holistic care, and an environment of privacy and comfort to help you reclaim your life. Every step of your journey is guided with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to lasting recovery.
Now is the time to take the first step toward peace and renewal.
The Caribbean Luxury Rehab Center
Facility Highlights
Prospect Hill Recovery and Wellness offers a serene, luxurious environment with private rooms and stunning views. With only seven clients at a time, we provide personalized care and attention in a peaceful, restorative setting. Our state-of-the-art amenities ensure both comfort and privacy throughout your recovery journey.
Services
We combine clinical expertise with holistic care, offering addiction treatment, mental health support, and individualized therapy. Our services include customized nutrition, IV therapy, and wellness practices like yoga and mindfulness, all tailored to support your mind, body, and spirit throughout recovery.
Location
Located on the beautiful island of St. Croix in the Virgin Islands, Prospect Hill Recovery and Wellness offers a tranquil escape surrounded by nature. The peaceful, private setting enhances the healing process, allowing clients to focus on their recovery in a calm, secluded environment.