Photo of Center for Emotional Health, Psychiatrist in North Carolina
Center for Emotional Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Concord, NC 28025
Our medical staff has a vast level of experience and expertise in treating a broad range of mental health concerns including: ADHD, depression, anxiety/panic disorder, marriage/relationship counseling, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, postpartum, eating disorders, PTSD, sexual trauma, grief counseling and many other mental + behavioral health concerns.
CEH offers traditional and alternative mental health services to ensure our patients have the best treatment and support available. CEH offers the following services: virtual + in-office appointments, therapy + counseling, medication management, medicated assisted treatment for substance abuse + veteran support services. CEH provides treatment for patients ages 4 and older, with a less-than two-week waiting period guaranteed at our 50+ office locations. CEH is conveniently located throughout North Carolina including Asheville, Boone, Concord, Charlotte, Raleigh, Statesville, Winston, and Wilmington; we also have offices in Florida.
Our medical staff has a vast level of experience and expertise in treating a broad range of mental health concerns including: ADHD, depression, anxiety/panic disorder, marriage/relationship counseling, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, postpartum, eating disorders, PTSD, sexual trauma, grief counseling and many other mental + behavioral health concerns.
CEH offers traditional and alternative mental health services to ensure our patients have the best treatment and support available. CEH offers the following services: virtual + in-office appointments, therapy + counseling, medication management, medicated assisted treatment for substance abuse + veteran support services. CEH provides treatment for patients ages 4 and older, with a less-than two-week waiting period guaranteed at our 50+ office locations. CEH is conveniently located throughout North Carolina including Asheville, Boone, Concord, Charlotte, Raleigh, Statesville, Winston, and Wilmington; we also have offices in Florida.
(704) 237-4240 View (704) 237-4240
Photo of Karen Shugart, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in North Carolina
Karen Shugart
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Clemmons, NC 27012
I enjoy working with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, thought disorders, PTSD, substance abuse, and OCD.
With a focus primarily on medication evaluation and management, I offer a warm, open, and non-judgmental approach that empowers clients to share freely and fully participate as they move toward their goals. My goal is to offer evidence-based, inclusive treatment that helps clients function at their highest level.
I enjoy working with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, thought disorders, PTSD, substance abuse, and OCD.
With a focus primarily on medication evaluation and management, I offer a warm, open, and non-judgmental approach that empowers clients to share freely and fully participate as they move toward their goals. My goal is to offer evidence-based, inclusive treatment that helps clients function at their highest level.
(336) 360-5711 View (336) 360-5711
Photo of Tanya Fowler, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in North Carolina
Tanya Fowler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28401
Accepting New Clients! I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of nursing experience across the lifespan. I started in a Surgical Trauma ICU helping patients and their families navigate through difficult traumatic experiences. I have always believed in the resiliency of the human spirit and have devoted my practice to providing care that is empathetic, evidenced-based, and unique to the individual. I try to provide a wholistic approach to treatment and advocate for optimizing brain health with medications, nutrition, exercise, supplements, and talk therapy.
Accepting New Clients! I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of nursing experience across the lifespan. I started in a Surgical Trauma ICU helping patients and their families navigate through difficult traumatic experiences. I have always believed in the resiliency of the human spirit and have devoted my practice to providing care that is empathetic, evidenced-based, and unique to the individual. I try to provide a wholistic approach to treatment and advocate for optimizing brain health with medications, nutrition, exercise, supplements, and talk therapy.
(910) 714-4144 View (910) 714-4144
Photo of Bret Guidry, Psychiatrist in North Carolina
Bret Guidry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210
Dr. Guidry graduated from LSU Medical School in New Orleans. He completed his psychiatry residency training in Augusta Georgia. He is uniquely qualified a psychiatrist and a surgeon. Dr. Guidry is board certified in Psychiatry and OBGYN. His specialties include the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, sexual disorders, anger management, sexual assault, and trauma. Dr. Guidry is a combat veteran, who retired from the United States Army after 25 years of service. He enjoys spending time with his family, writing novels, playing his guitar, and riding his motorcycle on mountain backroads.
Dr. Guidry graduated from LSU Medical School in New Orleans. He completed his psychiatry residency training in Augusta Georgia. He is uniquely qualified a psychiatrist and a surgeon. Dr. Guidry is board certified in Psychiatry and OBGYN. His specialties include the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, sexual disorders, anger management, sexual assault, and trauma. Dr. Guidry is a combat veteran, who retired from the United States Army after 25 years of service. He enjoys spending time with his family, writing novels, playing his guitar, and riding his motorcycle on mountain backroads.
(980) 575-0518 View (980) 575-0518
Photo of Karen Nicholson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in North Carolina
Karen Nicholson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greensboro, NC 27401
Special interests and research lie in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychiatric management of women during the preconception, prenatal, and postpartum stages with an emphasis on the management of postpartum mood disorders as well as helping patients cope with infertility. I also provide gender-affirming care for the LGBTQ+ community. With my advanced certification in functional psychiatry, I am able to utilize a combination of nutraceuticals and psychopharmacology to help patients reach optimum wellness. I focus on a collaborative therapeutic environment.
Special interests and research lie in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychiatric management of women during the preconception, prenatal, and postpartum stages with an emphasis on the management of postpartum mood disorders as well as helping patients cope with infertility. I also provide gender-affirming care for the LGBTQ+ community. With my advanced certification in functional psychiatry, I am able to utilize a combination of nutraceuticals and psychopharmacology to help patients reach optimum wellness. I focus on a collaborative therapeutic environment.
(984) 288-0880 View (984) 288-0880
Photo of David Balis Patton, Psychiatrist in North Carolina
David Balis Patton
Psychiatrist, MD, MS
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210
Please contact my office for appointments and prescription refills. I am co-founder of Pediatric & Family Behavioral Health, PLLC, (PFBH)- a psychiatry clinic in South Charlotte. PFBH specializes in the psychiatric treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. We are an evidence-based clinic that deals primarily in medication management & psychotherapy. We have experience in treating Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Personality Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tic Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & Psychosis.
Please contact my office for appointments and prescription refills. I am co-founder of Pediatric & Family Behavioral Health, PLLC, (PFBH)- a psychiatry clinic in South Charlotte. PFBH specializes in the psychiatric treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. We are an evidence-based clinic that deals primarily in medication management & psychotherapy. We have experience in treating Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Personality Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tic Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & Psychosis.
(704) 237-6843 View (704) 237-6843
Photo of Samantha Dietter, Physician Assistant in North Carolina
Samantha Dietter
Physician Assistant, PA-C, CAQ-Psy
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607
Experience in providing support for individuals with a range of psychiatric conditions including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, PTSD, and psychotic disorders.
Accepting new clients - Ages 5+, teens and adults for medication management. Virtual and in-office appointments. I have a passion for providing patient-centered mental health care. I will work collaboratively with you to create a personalized care plan, through shared decision making and incorporation of your strengths. Using a holistic approach, we will combine lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and psychotropic treatments to assist you and your family.
Experience in providing support for individuals with a range of psychiatric conditions including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, PTSD, and psychotic disorders.
Accepting new clients - Ages 5+, teens and adults for medication management. Virtual and in-office appointments. I have a passion for providing patient-centered mental health care. I will work collaboratively with you to create a personalized care plan, through shared decision making and incorporation of your strengths. Using a holistic approach, we will combine lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and psychotropic treatments to assist you and your family.
(984) 364-8172 View (984) 364-8172
Photo of Patricia Carter, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in North Carolina
Patricia Carter
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Matthews, NC 28105
Patricia Carter is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner. She is a mastered prepared advanced nurse with ten plus years of nursing experience. Knowledgeable in caring and treating patients in inpatient, outpatient, crisis, and skilled long-term settings. She is actively involved in promoting recovery for those with mental illness, addiction, and trauma through the integration of innovative and evidence based clinical practice and psychosocial needs.
Patricia Carter is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner. She is a mastered prepared advanced nurse with ten plus years of nursing experience. Knowledgeable in caring and treating patients in inpatient, outpatient, crisis, and skilled long-term settings. She is actively involved in promoting recovery for those with mental illness, addiction, and trauma through the integration of innovative and evidence based clinical practice and psychosocial needs.
(704) 459-1057 View (704) 459-1057
Photo of Forsyth Psychiatric Associates, Psychiatrist in North Carolina
Forsyth Psychiatric Associates
Psychiatrist, MD, LCAS, LCSW, LPC, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
Clemmons, NC 27012
Forsyth Psychiatric Associates is comprised of a strong team of knowledgeable, skilled, experienced, compassionate, caring professionals, including the psychiatrist and therapists. Our therapist team has extensive training and experience in depression, anxiety, bipolar, grief and loss, trauma, family and marriage struggle, substance use, etc. Our goals are to meet our clients where they are in their journey, and to tailor our interventions to meet the needs of each individual.
Forsyth Psychiatric Associates is comprised of a strong team of knowledgeable, skilled, experienced, compassionate, caring professionals, including the psychiatrist and therapists. Our therapist team has extensive training and experience in depression, anxiety, bipolar, grief and loss, trauma, family and marriage struggle, substance use, etc. Our goals are to meet our clients where they are in their journey, and to tailor our interventions to meet the needs of each individual.
(336) 606-1640 View (336) 606-1640
Photo of Mood Treatment Center Winston-Salem, Psychiatrist in North Carolina
Mood Treatment Center Winston-Salem
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27106
Our therapists work closely with our medication providers and specialize in evidence-based approaches including CBT, mindfulness, DBT, and therapies for addictions, trauma (EMDR, Brainspotting), sexual health, and autism.
A nationally recognized center with offices in Winston-Salem, Clemmmons, Boone, and Greensboro, NC. We offer counseling, medication, natural treatments, DBT, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and esketamine. When people take medications, we help them build a lifestyle to further their recovery (see http://www.moodtreatmentcenter.com/lifestyle).
Our therapists work closely with our medication providers and specialize in evidence-based approaches including CBT, mindfulness, DBT, and therapies for addictions, trauma (EMDR, Brainspotting), sexual health, and autism.
A nationally recognized center with offices in Winston-Salem, Clemmmons, Boone, and Greensboro, NC. We offer counseling, medication, natural treatments, DBT, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and esketamine. When people take medications, we help them build a lifestyle to further their recovery (see http://www.moodtreatmentcenter.com/lifestyle).
(336) 863-9210 View (336) 863-9210
Photo of Nicole E. Miller, Physician Assistant in North Carolina
Nicole E. Miller
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27713
I work with clients who are facing various mental health challenges such as ADHD, OCD, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, self-esteem issues, trauma, or other behavioral issues. They may be seeking help and support in finding balance, improving their well-being, and reaching their mental health goals. They may want to better understand their emotions, gain coping skills, and enhance their overall quality of life. Their goal may be to experience a greater sense of self-awareness, increase their resilience, and find a sustainable level of mental wellness.
I work with clients who are facing various mental health challenges such as ADHD, OCD, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, self-esteem issues, trauma, or other behavioral issues. They may be seeking help and support in finding balance, improving their well-being, and reaching their mental health goals. They may want to better understand their emotions, gain coping skills, and enhance their overall quality of life. Their goal may be to experience a greater sense of self-awareness, increase their resilience, and find a sustainable level of mental wellness.
(919) 893-0792 View (919) 893-0792
Photo of Bret Guidry, Psychiatrist in North Carolina
Bret Guidry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210
Dr. Guidry graduated from LSU Medical School in New Orleans. He completed his psychiatry residency training in Augusta Georgia. He is uniquely qualified a psychiatrist and a surgeon. Dr. Guidry is board certified in Psychiatry and OBGYN. His specialties include the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, sexual disorders, anger management, sexual assault, and trauma. Dr. Guidry is a combat veteran, who retired from the United States Army after 25 years of service. He enjoys spending time with his family, writing novels, playing his guitar, and riding his motorcycle on mountain backroads.
Dr. Guidry graduated from LSU Medical School in New Orleans. He completed his psychiatry residency training in Augusta Georgia. He is uniquely qualified a psychiatrist and a surgeon. Dr. Guidry is board certified in Psychiatry and OBGYN. His specialties include the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, sexual disorders, anger management, sexual assault, and trauma. Dr. Guidry is a combat veteran, who retired from the United States Army after 25 years of service. He enjoys spending time with his family, writing novels, playing his guitar, and riding his motorcycle on mountain backroads.
(980) 372-8112 View (980) 372-8112
Photo of David Ahlberg, Psychiatrist in North Carolina
David Ahlberg
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jacksonville, NC 28546
Our providers specialize in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Bipolar Disorders, and Schizoaffectice Mood Disorders.
Affiliated Medical Group, PLLC is a private practice Psychiatric Group serving all of North Carolina and Florida. We have many years of combined experience working with people in a variety of settings. We have expertise in the treatment of a wide variety of psychiatric challenges across the lifespan, and we are ready to meet your needs.
Our providers specialize in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Bipolar Disorders, and Schizoaffectice Mood Disorders.
Affiliated Medical Group, PLLC is a private practice Psychiatric Group serving all of North Carolina and Florida. We have many years of combined experience working with people in a variety of settings. We have expertise in the treatment of a wide variety of psychiatric challenges across the lifespan, and we are ready to meet your needs.
(910) 939-0724 View (910) 939-0724
Photo of Daya Mental Health and Wellness, PLLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in North Carolina
Daya Mental Health and Wellness, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Accepting New Clients! Please fill out our new patient forms on our website at www.dayamentlahealth.com to become a client. Our practice contains Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants and Therapists who provide comprehensive treatment plans for individuals age 18+ for a wide range of mental health needs. Our specialties include substance use, depression, anxiety, bipolar, self esteem concerns, obsessive compulsive disorders, eating disorders and post traumatic stress. We are providers of MAT: Suboxone, Sublocade and Vivitrol and we also provide ketamine assisted psychotherapy.
Accepting New Clients! Please fill out our new patient forms on our website at www.dayamentlahealth.com to become a client. Our practice contains Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants and Therapists who provide comprehensive treatment plans for individuals age 18+ for a wide range of mental health needs. Our specialties include substance use, depression, anxiety, bipolar, self esteem concerns, obsessive compulsive disorders, eating disorders and post traumatic stress. We are providers of MAT: Suboxone, Sublocade and Vivitrol and we also provide ketamine assisted psychotherapy.
(828) 412-3330 View (828) 412-3330
Photo of Mood Treatment Center Winston-Salem & Greensboro, Psychiatrist in North Carolina
Mood Treatment Center Winston-Salem & Greensboro
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Greensboro, NC 27407
Our therapists work closely with our medication providers and specialize in evidence-based approaches including CBT, mindfulness, DBT, and therapies for addictions, trauma (EMDR, Brainspotting), sexual health, and autism.
A nationally recognized center with offices in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Clemmons, and Boone NC. We offer counseling, medication, natural treatments, DBT, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and esketamine. When people take medications, we help them build a lifestyle to further their recovery (see https://www.moodtreatmentcenter.com/lifestyle/).
Our therapists work closely with our medication providers and specialize in evidence-based approaches including CBT, mindfulness, DBT, and therapies for addictions, trauma (EMDR, Brainspotting), sexual health, and autism.
A nationally recognized center with offices in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Clemmons, and Boone NC. We offer counseling, medication, natural treatments, DBT, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and esketamine. When people take medications, we help them build a lifestyle to further their recovery (see https://www.moodtreatmentcenter.com/lifestyle/).
(336) 439-3504 View (336) 439-3504
Photo of Mood Treatment Center Clemmons & Boone, Psychiatrist in North Carolina
Mood Treatment Center Clemmons & Boone
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boone, NC 28607
Our therapists work closely with our medication providers and specialize in evidence-based approaches including CBT, mindfulness, DBT, and therapies for addictions, trauma (EMDR, Brainspotting), sexual health, and autism.
A nationally recognized center with offices in Boone, Clemmons, Winston-Salem, and Greensboro, NC. We offer counseling, medication, natural treatments, DBT, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and esketamine. When people take medications, we help them build a lifestyle to further their recovery (see http://www.moodtreatmentcenter.com/lifestyle).
Our therapists work closely with our medication providers and specialize in evidence-based approaches including CBT, mindfulness, DBT, and therapies for addictions, trauma (EMDR, Brainspotting), sexual health, and autism.
A nationally recognized center with offices in Boone, Clemmons, Winston-Salem, and Greensboro, NC. We offer counseling, medication, natural treatments, DBT, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and esketamine. When people take medications, we help them build a lifestyle to further their recovery (see http://www.moodtreatmentcenter.com/lifestyle).
(828) 949-1718 View (828) 949-1718
Photo of Casey Mental Health Collaborative, Psychiatrist in North Carolina
Casey Mental Health Collaborative
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
We also offer Individualized therapy in a supportive and comfortable environment to help individuals change unhealthy thinking patterns and behavior, address trauma and gain wellbeing.
At Casey Mental Health Collaborative, we are committed to offering the best mental health care. Our psychiatrist, physician's assistants, nurse practitioners, and licensed therapists offer well-rounded, researched-based treatment approaches to target most mental health symptoms. Our goal is for you to feel better about yourself and your life. We offer telepsychiatry and in person appointments in our North Raleigh and Chapel Hill offices. Please visit our website to view our providers and their specialties.
We also offer Individualized therapy in a supportive and comfortable environment to help individuals change unhealthy thinking patterns and behavior, address trauma and gain wellbeing.
At Casey Mental Health Collaborative, we are committed to offering the best mental health care. Our psychiatrist, physician's assistants, nurse practitioners, and licensed therapists offer well-rounded, researched-based treatment approaches to target most mental health symptoms. Our goal is for you to feel better about yourself and your life. We offer telepsychiatry and in person appointments in our North Raleigh and Chapel Hill offices. Please visit our website to view our providers and their specialties.
(984) 600-6993 x1 View (984) 600-6993 x1
Photo of Wise Mind and Body, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in North Carolina
Wise Mind and Body
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28297  (Online Only)
Specializes in ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, PTSD, substance use, sleep disorders as well as other mental health illnesses.
Accepting new patients from anywhere in North Carolina! Are you overwhelmed with life’s day to day responsibilities? Do you struggle with anxiety, depression or trouble sleeping? Do you want more balance in your life? There is hope! Joanna Wiseman will guide you on your journey to personal growth and happiness through mental stability. Schedule your first appointment with Joanna today.
Specializes in ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, PTSD, substance use, sleep disorders as well as other mental health illnesses.
Accepting new patients from anywhere in North Carolina! Are you overwhelmed with life’s day to day responsibilities? Do you struggle with anxiety, depression or trouble sleeping? Do you want more balance in your life? There is hope! Joanna Wiseman will guide you on your journey to personal growth and happiness through mental stability. Schedule your first appointment with Joanna today.
(704) 397-4744 View (704) 397-4744
Photo of Verena Socolar, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in North Carolina
Verena Socolar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
I have a comfortable private office in Chapel Hill conveniently located off Hwy 15/501 close to I-40 exit. I am in solo-practice, however, share the office suite with two psychotherapists in private practice. --- My practice is rooted in holistic nursing. I see my role as helping people to reach their full potential and achieve their goals. To do so, I judiciously prescribe medications to alleviate excess anxiety, worry, anger, and lethargy. I believe that many issues also need to be addressed with other forms of therapy or life style changes.
I have a comfortable private office in Chapel Hill conveniently located off Hwy 15/501 close to I-40 exit. I am in solo-practice, however, share the office suite with two psychotherapists in private practice. --- My practice is rooted in holistic nursing. I see my role as helping people to reach their full potential and achieve their goals. To do so, I judiciously prescribe medications to alleviate excess anxiety, worry, anger, and lethargy. I believe that many issues also need to be addressed with other forms of therapy or life style changes.
(919) 551-3154 View (919) 551-3154
Photo of Lindsay M Hildreth, Physician Assistant in North Carolina
Lindsay M Hildreth
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27612
I pride myself in holding a safe space for patients to be vulnerable -at varying degrees that are comfortable for them. I offer medication management to help patients quiet their symptoms so that they can heal deeply and/or make the changes they need to make in order to live a productive, joyful life of their choosing. As a former science teacher and yoga instructor - one of my strengths is patient education. I enjoy explaining disease processes to patients and educating them about how medications function to help manage their symptoms. I utilize a whole-person approach to incorporate medication management and holistic wellness.
I pride myself in holding a safe space for patients to be vulnerable -at varying degrees that are comfortable for them. I offer medication management to help patients quiet their symptoms so that they can heal deeply and/or make the changes they need to make in order to live a productive, joyful life of their choosing. As a former science teacher and yoga instructor - one of my strengths is patient education. I enjoy explaining disease processes to patients and educating them about how medications function to help manage their symptoms. I utilize a whole-person approach to incorporate medication management and holistic wellness.
(919) 582-5936 View (919) 582-5936

See more therapy options for North Carolina

Trauma and PTSD Psychiatrists

When should I seek treatment for trauma?

Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.

How long does trauma therapy take?

Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.

What happens if trauma is left untreated?

Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.

Can PTSD come back after treatment?

It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.