Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Our approach to post traumatic stress disorder care

We understand that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) doesn't just linger — it changes how you live. If you're struggling with PTSD, know that you're not alone. Our team of expert psychiatrists and psychologists is here to help.

With our proven treatment methods, we'll help you reclaim your life. We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences, whether it's psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both.

Signs and symptoms of PTSD

PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person and may include:

Re-experiencing symptoms

• flashbacks
• bad dreams
• frightening thoughts

Re-experiencing symptoms disrupt your daily routine. They may be triggered by your own thoughts, feelings or words, objects or situations that remind you of an event.

Avoidance symptoms

• avoiding places, events or objects that remind you of a traumatic experience
• feeling emotionally numb
• feeling strong guilt, depression or worry
• losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable
• having trouble remembering details of the traumatic event

Reminders of a traumatic event can trigger avoidance symptoms, which may cause you to change your personal routine.

Hyperarousal symptoms

• being easily startled
• feeling tense or on edge
• having difficulty sleeping
• having angry outbursts

It's natural to experience some of these symptoms after a triggering event. If they persist for more than a few weeks and become an ongoing problem, you may have PTSD. Some people with PTSD do not show symptoms for weeks or even months after the event.

When to seek care

If you’ve experienced a traumatic event and are having symptoms that last more than a month, it’s critical that you seek help.

Everyone’s different, so a treatment that works for one person may not work for another. It is important to work with a mental health provider specializing in PTSD to find the best treatment for you.

Diagnosing PTSD

When you seek help from a mental health professional, here's what to expect:

• A psychiatrist or psychologist will talk to you about your symptoms and experiences.
• A PTSD diagnosis requires at least one re-experiencing symptom, three avoidance symptoms and two hyperarousal symptoms for at least a month.
• The symptoms must also significantly impact your daily life.

Treatments for PTSD

Our treatment plan will focus on helping you feel safe, regain control of your life and reconnect with your loved ones. Some of the options we offer include:

Psychotherapy

• Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) helps you gradually face and process the memories and feelings associated with the trauma.
• Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) helps you identify and change negative thinking patterns and beliefs related to the trauma.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) uses eye movements and other techniques to help you process and reduce the intensity of traumatic memories.

Medication

• Antidepressants can help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety that often accompany PTSD.
• Anti-anxiety medications can help reduce anxiety and panic attacks.
• Mood stabilizers can help regulate emotions and prevent mood swings.

Complementary therapies

• Stress management techniques such as deep breathing, yoga and meditation can help you manage stress and improve sleep.
• Physical activity can help improve mood and energy levels.
• Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and avoiding alcohol and drugs can all help improve your overall well-being.