PTSD Treatment
Trauma changes the brain, but healing is possible. We provide compassionate, trauma-informed psychiatric care to help you process the past and reclaim your life.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It's not a sign of weakness—it's a normal response to abnormal circumstances. PTSD changes how the brain processes fear and memory, but with proper treatment, recovery is possible.
Re-Experiencing
- Intrusive memories of the traumatic event
- Flashbacks—feeling like the trauma is happening again
- Distressing dreams or nightmares
- Severe emotional distress when reminded of the trauma
- Physical reactions to reminders (racing heart, sweating)
Avoidance
- Avoiding places, people, or activities that trigger memories
- Avoiding thinking or talking about the trauma
- Emotional numbness or feeling detached
- Difficulty feeling positive emotions
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Hyperarousal
- Being easily startled or feeling on edge
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritability or angry outbursts
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hypervigilance (constantly scanning for danger)
- Self-destructive or reckless behavior
Types of Trauma That Can Cause PTSD
PTSD Treatment at Next Step Psychiatry
Compassionate, evidence-based care that respects your experience and supports your healing
SSRIs for PTSD
Sertraline (Zoloft) and Paroxetine (Paxil) are FDA-approved specifically for PTSD and help regulate mood and anxiety.
Prazosin for Nightmares
This medication significantly reduces trauma-related nightmares and improves sleep quality for many PTSD patients.
Trauma Therapy Coordination
We work closely with therapists providing EMDR, CPT, and other evidence-based trauma treatments.
Comprehensive Care
We address co-occurring depression, anxiety, substance use, and other conditions that often accompany PTSD.
Trauma-Informed Psychiatric Care
We understand that trauma affects every aspect of a person's life. Our approach is:
Safe & Supportive
You control the pace. We never push you to discuss trauma before you're ready.
Judgment-Free
Whatever happened, you're not to blame. We provide compassionate, non-judgmental care.
Collaborative
We work with trauma-focused therapists to provide comprehensive care.
The Role of Medication in PTSD
While therapy is often the cornerstone of PTSD treatment, medication plays an important role by:
- Reducing intrusive symptoms and flashbacks
- Improving sleep and reducing nightmares
- Managing anxiety and depression
- Stabilizing mood and reducing irritability
- Making it easier to engage in therapy
Crisis Support
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1). Help is available 24/7.
Healing from Trauma is Possible
You don't have to carry this burden alone. Compassionate, expert care is available to help you reclaim your life from PTSD.