Victim Recovery Program

Individuals who are the victim of a crime, whether the crime is violent, such as a bodily attack or rape, or non-violent, such as a burglary or financial swindle, sustain trauma that lasts well beyond the actual event. Part of the anguish the victims experience is how the event will be perceived by others and whether they will be blamed for the event. Feelings of shame and guilt persist as the victim re-lives the crime over and over again. The inward torture persists and the victim seeks resolution and relief from the mental pain.

The loss of work and economic injury are other painful after-effects of the crime. Despair that the effects are not reversible and fear of public humiliation further compounds the pain. This combination of factors may make it difficult for victims of crime to talk about their experience, let alone seek professional help. Family and friends of the victim are equally affected and share in the pain.

The Victim’s Recovery Program at Okaloosa Mental Health And NeuroPsychiatric Center is designed to meet the medical and the mental health needs of individuals who are suffering trauma as the result of a crime. This comprehensive program begins with a consultation with the psychiatrist. Based on this consultation, a recovery program is arranged that may include laboratory and psychological testing, individual and family therapy, victim counseling, medication management, stress reduction procedures, and specific rehabilitation as needed.