Treatment and Therapy for PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can leave you feeling trapped in the past, but healing is possible. Willow Behavioral Health offers personalized, evidence-based PTSD treatment to help you feel grounded, understood, and ready to move forward.

Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD affects people in deeply personal and disruptive ways. About 6% of adults in the US will experience PTSD at some point, with 12 million affected in any given year. Let’s explore what it is and how treatment can help.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It’s more than just a stress reaction. It’s a long-lasting condition that affects your thoughts, feelings, behavior, and physical well-being. While often associated with combat veterans, PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of age or background.

What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?
  • Flashbacks or intrusive memories
  • Nightmares or trouble sleeping
  • Avoidance of people, places, or conversations that trigger memories
  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or emotional numbness
  • Heightened startle response or jumpiness
  • Irritability or angry outbursts
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Hypervigilance or feeling constantly on edge
Causes of PTSD

PTSD can develop after a single traumatic event or repeated exposure to distress. Examples include assault, combat, accidents, natural disasters, or the sudden loss of a loved one. Your risk may be higher if you don’t have support or coping strategies in place.

Types of PTSD

PTSD doesn’t look the same for everyone. Different types have unique characteristics and may require slightly different treatment approaches.

Acute Stress Disorder

This is a mild version that occurs within a few weeks of trauma and lasts less than one month.

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)

This can develop after prolonged or repeated trauma. It often involves emotional dysregulation, trust difficulties, and shame.

Uncomplicated PTSD

This involves persistent symptoms like flashbacks or anxiety without other mental health conditions present.

Co-Occurring Conditions and Dual Diagnosis

PTSD often exists alongside other mental health conditions like depression, substance use, and anxiety. For instance, a study published in 2023 found that 91% of individuals with PTSD had at least one additional psychiatric disorder. At Willow, we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment that treats the full picture, not just isolated symptoms.

Living With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Living with PTSD can feel isolating. Relationships may suffer, work can become overwhelming, and trust in others may be difficult. Without treatment, it can lead to chronic health issues, substance misuse, and further emotional distress. It can also deeply affect loved ones, as emotional withdrawal, mood swings, and fear responses impact family dynamics.

Trauma-Informed Treatments for PTSD

At Willow, we offer trauma-informed care tailored to your experience and symptoms. Treatment may include diagnosis, therapy, medication, and holistic support. Our virtual therapy options ensure that you can receive care no matter where you are.

PTSD Assessment and Diagnosis

Our clinicians conduct thorough assessments based on DSM-5 criteria, including your history of trauma and current symptoms.

Counseling and Therapy

Therapy plays a key role in recovery. Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapy can help you process trauma and build resilience. We offer individual and group sessions.

PTSD Medication

Medications such as SSRIs (like sertraline and paroxetine) or mood stabilizers may help reduce anxiety, depression, and other PTSD symptoms.

Holistic Treatment

We encourage a well-rounded approach, including grounding techniques, mindfulness, exercise, and nutritional support, to promote healing on every level.

Get Expert PTSD Treatment at Willow Behavioral Health

Our experienced team provides trauma-informed care using proven therapies like CBT, DBT, and medication management. For clients with co-occurring substance use challenges, we also offer dual diagnosis support and medication-assisted treatment when appropriate.

Our Outpatient Mental Health Programs for PTSD

Whether you need a full-day structure or flexible therapy that fits your routine, we’re here to support you. Our team also offers medication management in-person and through secure virtual care. If you’re in crisis, we’re equipped to respond with immediate support and stabilization.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Intensive, structured care with full-day programming, ideal for those needing more support.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Several therapy sessions per week while allowing time for work, school, or family responsibilities.

Online PTSD Treatment

HIPAA-compliant virtual sessions make it easier to stay consistent with treatment from the privacy of your own home.

Our Intake and Assessment Process

Initial Contact and Pre-Screening
Reach out by phone, email, or in person. Our admissions specialists will walk you through a confidential pre-screen to gather essential information and provide crisis support if needed.

Comprehensive Assessment
You’ll meet with a licensed clinician for a full evaluation of your mental health, medical history, and personal goals using standardized screening tools where appropriate.

Personalized Treatment Planning
Based on your assessment, we’ll build a tailored treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, holistic care, and family involvement.

First Steps in Treatment
You’ll meet your care team and begin treatment with continued check-ins to adjust your plan as you grow in your recovery.

Start Nurturing Your Well-Being at Willow Behavioral Health

PTSD doesn’t have to control your life. At Willow, we meet you with compassion, understanding, and expert care. Reach out today to start your path toward healing and lasting peace of mind.

FAQs

How do you know if you have PTSD?
If you’re experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or emotional numbness after a traumatic event, and it’s lasting more than a month, it may be PTSD. A mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis.
Stay calm and supportive. Help them feel safe by gently grounding them in the present, offering reassurance, and avoiding sudden movements. Encourage them to reach out to their therapist.
Trauma-focused therapy, such as CBT or EMDR, is often most effective. Some people also benefit from medication and holistic therapies like mindfulness and grounding.
In severe cases or when co-occurring conditions are present, PTSD may lead to dissociative symptoms or hallucinations. This is less common and should be assessed by a clinician.
Mood swings, anxiety, nightmares, social withdrawal, trouble concentrating, and flashbacks are all common signs.
Yes. PTSD can affect memory and concentration, especially when related to trauma recall or ongoing stress.
Yes. Virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person care for many people, especially when using trauma-focused modalities.
Yes, PTSD can qualify as a disability if it limits your ability to work or function in daily life. A professional diagnosis is often needed to determine eligibility for support.

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