Trauma and PTSD Psychiatrists in Colorado

Photo of Nichollette Dykes, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
Nichollette Dykes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80212
Clinical interests include PTSD/trauma, ADHD, eating disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.
Nichollette is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, specializing in medication management. Nichollette’s practice embodies a holistic approach towards psychiatric treatment that focuses on improving the overall mental well-being of an individual, rather than just treating the symptoms. With every patient, Nichollette strives to create a motivating and nurturing environment that is optimal for healing and growth. She utilizes an artful and collaborative process to create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Clinical interests include PTSD/trauma, ADHD, eating disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.
Nichollette is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, specializing in medication management. Nichollette’s practice embodies a holistic approach towards psychiatric treatment that focuses on improving the overall mental well-being of an individual, rather than just treating the symptoms. With every patient, Nichollette strives to create a motivating and nurturing environment that is optimal for healing and growth. She utilizes an artful and collaborative process to create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
(720) 664-9662 View (720) 664-9662
Photo of Alyssa Nadolny, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
Alyssa Nadolny
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
I believe it takes serious courage to ask for help of any kind, and I am in awe of my clients’ strength, resilience, and grit on their road to mental health recovery. It is my ultimate goal to empower my clients through education, making them feel engaged and valued, and being the loudest cheerleader in their corner. No matter what life journey you’ve travelled, you will be treated warmly, with respect and dignity, always. I treat patients ages 6 and up for a range of mental health concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, mood disorders, and insomnia.
I believe it takes serious courage to ask for help of any kind, and I am in awe of my clients’ strength, resilience, and grit on their road to mental health recovery. It is my ultimate goal to empower my clients through education, making them feel engaged and valued, and being the loudest cheerleader in their corner. No matter what life journey you’ve travelled, you will be treated warmly, with respect and dignity, always. I treat patients ages 6 and up for a range of mental health concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, mood disorders, and insomnia.
(720) 619-3253 View (720) 619-3253
Photo of Anita Khanna, Psychiatrist in Colorado
Anita Khanna
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80246
I look forward to meeting you, hearing your story , and making sense of all that ails you. I feel that medications can provide relief for biological psychiatric conditions, but most of the long term relief comes from working through and reworking unhealthy behavioral patterns. Treating Psychiatric conditions is an art that requires balancing the medical treatments with looking at unconscious maladaptive behaviors. Once patterns are identified, the work we do will lead to change. I take the approach of meeting clients where they are at and working together in a relational model to reprocess and work through trauma.
I look forward to meeting you, hearing your story , and making sense of all that ails you. I feel that medications can provide relief for biological psychiatric conditions, but most of the long term relief comes from working through and reworking unhealthy behavioral patterns. Treating Psychiatric conditions is an art that requires balancing the medical treatments with looking at unconscious maladaptive behaviors. Once patterns are identified, the work we do will lead to change. I take the approach of meeting clients where they are at and working together in a relational model to reprocess and work through trauma.
(720) 463-1683 View (720) 463-1683
Photo of Kim Nguyen, Psychiatrist in Colorado
Kim Nguyen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Avon, CO 81620  (Online Only)
I have lived experience with trauma along with the courage to share how it has impacted me as a person and as a psychiatrist.
Accepting New Patients - Intake slots are available within 1-2 weeks (updated 2/29/24). Optimal mental health is the goal, not just the absence of disease. The body, mind, and environment operate as a whole. You can’t treat a symptom without addressing the root cause. Extra time allows me to be thorough, listen to your story without interrupting, and discuss treatment plans in detail. This allows me to provide higher quality care and enables you to feel heard and understood in a way you may never have felt before.
I have lived experience with trauma along with the courage to share how it has impacted me as a person and as a psychiatrist.
Accepting New Patients - Intake slots are available within 1-2 weeks (updated 2/29/24). Optimal mental health is the goal, not just the absence of disease. The body, mind, and environment operate as a whole. You can’t treat a symptom without addressing the root cause. Extra time allows me to be thorough, listen to your story without interrupting, and discuss treatment plans in detail. This allows me to provide higher quality care and enables you to feel heard and understood in a way you may never have felt before.
(970) 236-7839 View (970) 236-7839
Photo of Dr. Joshua James: Rivendell Health, Psychiatrist in Colorado
Dr. Joshua James: Rivendell Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80920  (Online Only)
Accepting new patients. Initial consultation is free. Dr. James completed medical school at Texas A&M School of Medicine and psychiatric residency at UT Health in San Antonio. He is committed to serving the people of Colorado, Texas, and Utah. He specializes in helping people who struggle with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, but can treat other mental health afflictions as well (see list for the most commonly treated conditions). Dr. James works exclusively via telehealth to conveniently fit appointments into your busy schedule. Insurance is not accepted at this time, but ask about options for insurance reimbursement.
Accepting new patients. Initial consultation is free. Dr. James completed medical school at Texas A&M School of Medicine and psychiatric residency at UT Health in San Antonio. He is committed to serving the people of Colorado, Texas, and Utah. He specializes in helping people who struggle with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, but can treat other mental health afflictions as well (see list for the most commonly treated conditions). Dr. James works exclusively via telehealth to conveniently fit appointments into your busy schedule. Insurance is not accepted at this time, but ask about options for insurance reimbursement.
(719) 751-5836 View (719) 751-5836
Photo of Mind and Soul Psychiatry , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
Mind and Soul Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arvada, CO 80004
My name is Jennifer Medina, and I am a Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Through my work with various populations, I have gained extensive experience helping individuals navigate challenging times. I am here to offer my expertise to those struggling with issues such as ADHD, trauma, crisis, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and relationship problems.
My name is Jennifer Medina, and I am a Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Through my work with various populations, I have gained extensive experience helping individuals navigate challenging times. I am here to offer my expertise to those struggling with issues such as ADHD, trauma, crisis, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and relationship problems.
(720) 924-7268 View (720) 924-7268
Photo of Jennifer Johnson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
Jennifer Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, WHNP-BC, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80212  (Online Only)
Jen is passionate about her work with the LGBTQIA+ community, pregnancy/postpartum mental health, trauma/PTSD, substance use, mood disorders/bipolar disorder and a variety of mental health conditions.
After finishing her master's in nursing in 2005, the outdoor lifestyle and the beauty of the state is what brought Jen to Colorado. Jen worked as an inpatient nurse on Labor and Delivery until starting work as a WHNP. After 7 years of working in adolescent family planning as a Women’s Health NP, Jen returned to Vanderbilt University School of Nursing for a post-graduate certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (board certified Nurse Practitioner). Mental Health has continued to be a primary interest to Jen since finishing school in 2018.
Jen is passionate about her work with the LGBTQIA+ community, pregnancy/postpartum mental health, trauma/PTSD, substance use, mood disorders/bipolar disorder and a variety of mental health conditions.
After finishing her master's in nursing in 2005, the outdoor lifestyle and the beauty of the state is what brought Jen to Colorado. Jen worked as an inpatient nurse on Labor and Delivery until starting work as a WHNP. After 7 years of working in adolescent family planning as a Women’s Health NP, Jen returned to Vanderbilt University School of Nursing for a post-graduate certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (board certified Nurse Practitioner). Mental Health has continued to be a primary interest to Jen since finishing school in 2018.
(888) 681-6826 View (888) 681-6826
Photo of Sage Integrative Psychiatry , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
Sage Integrative Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Golden, CO 80401
I help children, adolescents, and young adults navigate struggles with depression, anxiety, trauma and substance use disorders to overcome crippling negative self talk and self harming behaviors. I help clients to reclaim their innate internal healing ultimately reclaiming self-confidence, purpose and inner peace by an integrative treatment approach that offers medication management, therapy, supplements, lifestyle coaching and more.
I help children, adolescents, and young adults navigate struggles with depression, anxiety, trauma and substance use disorders to overcome crippling negative self talk and self harming behaviors. I help clients to reclaim their innate internal healing ultimately reclaiming self-confidence, purpose and inner peace by an integrative treatment approach that offers medication management, therapy, supplements, lifestyle coaching and more.
(720) 463-7427 View (720) 463-7427
Photo of Rhiannon Lee Brey, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
Rhiannon Lee Brey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Longmont, CO 80504
If you suffer from mood, anxiety, bipolar, attention, or trauma-related disorders or other mental health concerns, I would love to help.
My nursing career brought me the good fortune of traveling for work; I have lived in all four corners of the US (and in the middle, too!) and have enjoyed meeting and working with individuals of diverse backgrounds. As a nurse practitioner, curiosity and respect drive my practice; I join each person’s journey toward mental wellness with a collaborative treatment approach, taking time to “zoom out” and view symptoms through a holistic lens.
If you suffer from mood, anxiety, bipolar, attention, or trauma-related disorders or other mental health concerns, I would love to help.
My nursing career brought me the good fortune of traveling for work; I have lived in all four corners of the US (and in the middle, too!) and have enjoyed meeting and working with individuals of diverse backgrounds. As a nurse practitioner, curiosity and respect drive my practice; I join each person’s journey toward mental wellness with a collaborative treatment approach, taking time to “zoom out” and view symptoms through a holistic lens.
(970) 615-5590 View (970) 615-5590
Photo of Balanced Mental Wellness, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
Balanced Mental Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMNHP-B
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Englewood, CO 80113
We specialize in PTSD/trauma, depression, bipolar, anxiety, ADHD, and sleep disorders.
Appointments available within 1 week or less and most insurance plans accepted! Balanced Mental Wellness is a psychiatric practice aimed at reducing stigma and helping you connect with your true self as you achieve optimal mental wellness. We are a heart centered practice that believes in treating you as a whole person. We currently provide a multi-modal approach and offer medication management and ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP). Our network of psychiatric nurse practitioners and therapists are dedicated to creating individualized care with integrity while offering a variety of treatment options to suit your needs.
We specialize in PTSD/trauma, depression, bipolar, anxiety, ADHD, and sleep disorders.
Appointments available within 1 week or less and most insurance plans accepted! Balanced Mental Wellness is a psychiatric practice aimed at reducing stigma and helping you connect with your true self as you achieve optimal mental wellness. We are a heart centered practice that believes in treating you as a whole person. We currently provide a multi-modal approach and offer medication management and ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP). Our network of psychiatric nurse practitioners and therapists are dedicated to creating individualized care with integrity while offering a variety of treatment options to suit your needs.
(720) 802-4037 View (720) 802-4037
Photo of Modern Mental Health , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
Modern Mental Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Louisville, CO 80027
Welcome to Modern Mental Health! My name is John Tripp and my goal as your psychiatric provider is to listen to your goals and help you achieve them. I specialize in treating ADHD (ADHD-CCSP certified), anxiety disorders, PTSD and trauma, depression, bipolar disorders, binge eating disorder, and OCD. I believe in a partnership approach that emphasizes education, open communication, and meeting each individual where they are in their personal journey. Whether it is medication management, therapy, or a combination of the two, one size does not fit all.
Welcome to Modern Mental Health! My name is John Tripp and my goal as your psychiatric provider is to listen to your goals and help you achieve them. I specialize in treating ADHD (ADHD-CCSP certified), anxiety disorders, PTSD and trauma, depression, bipolar disorders, binge eating disorder, and OCD. I believe in a partnership approach that emphasizes education, open communication, and meeting each individual where they are in their personal journey. Whether it is medication management, therapy, or a combination of the two, one size does not fit all.
(720) 740-6814 View (720) 740-6814
Photo of Angela Graham, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
Angela Graham
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80904  (Online Only)
I wish to empower change for those experiencing mental health disorders, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and addiction.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and the founder of authentic mental health, PLLC.  I am a compassionate, down-to-earth provider, who is dedicated to helping individuals manage their mental and emotional well-being while creating healthy, fulfilling lives. I specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of mental health conditions within a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their concerns and working towards their mental health goals. I believe in fostering a strong therapeutic alliance and involving clients in their own treatment plans.
I wish to empower change for those experiencing mental health disorders, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and addiction.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and the founder of authentic mental health, PLLC.  I am a compassionate, down-to-earth provider, who is dedicated to helping individuals manage their mental and emotional well-being while creating healthy, fulfilling lives. I specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of mental health conditions within a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their concerns and working towards their mental health goals. I believe in fostering a strong therapeutic alliance and involving clients in their own treatment plans.
(719) 297-6213 View (719) 297-6213
Photo of Alli McClintock, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
Alli McClintock
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Arvada, CO 80002  (Online Only)
Treatment includes diagnosis associated with trauma, depression, insomnia, anxiety, mood disorders, and ADHD.
Treatment includes diagnosis associated with trauma, depression, insomnia, anxiety, mood disorders, and ADHD.
(720) 790-6442 View (720) 790-6442
Photo of Katie Farley, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
Katie Farley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thornton, CO 80229
My experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults living with mood disorders (depression & bipolar), anxiety, ADHD, psychosis, and navigating difficult trauma/stressors in life.
Hi there! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I have over 13 years of nursing experience and have worked in numerous settings including medical oncology, med surg, surgery, infusion therapy, and nurse navigation. My most recent position before joining Mindful Minds Psychiatry, I worked as a registered nurse on an acute inpatient psychiatric unit where we treated adult patients with various mental health disorders including mood, anxiety, psychotic illnesses, substance use, and disorders requiring acute stabilization.
My experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults living with mood disorders (depression & bipolar), anxiety, ADHD, psychosis, and navigating difficult trauma/stressors in life.
Hi there! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I have over 13 years of nursing experience and have worked in numerous settings including medical oncology, med surg, surgery, infusion therapy, and nurse navigation. My most recent position before joining Mindful Minds Psychiatry, I worked as a registered nurse on an acute inpatient psychiatric unit where we treated adult patients with various mental health disorders including mood, anxiety, psychotic illnesses, substance use, and disorders requiring acute stabilization.
(720) 637-4091 View (720) 637-4091
Photo of Will Van Derveer, Psychiatrist in Colorado
Will Van Derveer
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Niwot, CO 80503
We regard people as inherently healthy and whole, in contrast to the conventional and widespread belief that people with psychiatric symptoms must be in long-term treatment. Psychological health can truly be achieved by learning new techniques of managing stress and overcoming fear-based habits. We prescribe medications as temporary tools for softening intense symptoms, allowing the deeper healing can occur. Alternative treatments such as vitamins and supplements are encouraged when appropriate. When depression or PTSD does not respond to conventional treatments, we may recommend a course of ketamine assisted psychotherapy.
We regard people as inherently healthy and whole, in contrast to the conventional and widespread belief that people with psychiatric symptoms must be in long-term treatment. Psychological health can truly be achieved by learning new techniques of managing stress and overcoming fear-based habits. We prescribe medications as temporary tools for softening intense symptoms, allowing the deeper healing can occur. Alternative treatments such as vitamins and supplements are encouraged when appropriate. When depression or PTSD does not respond to conventional treatments, we may recommend a course of ketamine assisted psychotherapy.
(303) 900-7450 View (303) 900-7450
Photo of Modern Mental Health , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
Modern Mental Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lone Tree, CO 80124
Welcome! My goal as your psychiatric provider is to listen to your goals and help you achieve them. I specialize in treating ADHD (ADHD-CCSP certified), anxiety disorders, PTSD and trauma, depression, bipolar disorders, binge eating disorder, and OCD. I believe in a partnership approach that emphasizes education, open communication, and meeting each individual where they are in their personal journey. Whether it is medication management, therapy, or a combination of the two, one size does not fit all.
Welcome! My goal as your psychiatric provider is to listen to your goals and help you achieve them. I specialize in treating ADHD (ADHD-CCSP certified), anxiety disorders, PTSD and trauma, depression, bipolar disorders, binge eating disorder, and OCD. I believe in a partnership approach that emphasizes education, open communication, and meeting each individual where they are in their personal journey. Whether it is medication management, therapy, or a combination of the two, one size does not fit all.
(720) 706-8240 View (720) 706-8240
Photo of Kiley Gilbert, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
Kiley Gilbert
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Broomfield, CO 80020  (Online Only)
I have medication management experience with all ages in multiple settings and have treated anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, ADHD, schizophrenia and many other diagnoses.
Together, we'll navigate the twists and turns of life, offering insightful medication management strategies to work toward healing and growth. As a board-certified nurse practitioner who has worked in a variety of treatment settings, I am dedicated to providing personalized treatment strategies that integrate medication management to promote improved well-being. With an understanding of psychiatric conditions and pharmacology, I specialize in prescribing medication to address a wide range of mental health concerns. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices and guided by a commitment to individualized care.
I have medication management experience with all ages in multiple settings and have treated anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, ADHD, schizophrenia and many other diagnoses.
Together, we'll navigate the twists and turns of life, offering insightful medication management strategies to work toward healing and growth. As a board-certified nurse practitioner who has worked in a variety of treatment settings, I am dedicated to providing personalized treatment strategies that integrate medication management to promote improved well-being. With an understanding of psychiatric conditions and pharmacology, I specialize in prescribing medication to address a wide range of mental health concerns. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices and guided by a commitment to individualized care.
(720) 915-2325 View (720) 915-2325
Photo of Dynamic Minds, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
Dynamic Minds
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80918  (Online Only)
Other focus areas include ADHD/ rejection sensitivity dysphoria and trauma.
I have a passion for mental healthcare & a keen understanding of the difficulty in finding affordable care, let alone the right care. I believe involving clients as equal partners is vital to the healing process. My approach integrates evidence based practice with a holistic focus on social, emotional, physical & spiritual wellbeing. I am a board certified psychiatric NP with over 20 years experience in nursing and mental health. I have worked in community mental health, crisis support, and previously ran an educational therapy practice focused on supporting the needs of neurodiverse clients. Scheduling is available via my website!
Other focus areas include ADHD/ rejection sensitivity dysphoria and trauma.
I have a passion for mental healthcare & a keen understanding of the difficulty in finding affordable care, let alone the right care. I believe involving clients as equal partners is vital to the healing process. My approach integrates evidence based practice with a holistic focus on social, emotional, physical & spiritual wellbeing. I am a board certified psychiatric NP with over 20 years experience in nursing and mental health. I have worked in community mental health, crisis support, and previously ran an educational therapy practice focused on supporting the needs of neurodiverse clients. Scheduling is available via my website!
(719) 625-8980 View (719) 625-8980
Photo of Colorado Psychiatric, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
Colorado Psychiatric
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Psych, NP
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80918  (Online Only)
Although carefully chosen medications can quickly achieve much needed relief of anxiety, depression, insomnia and trauma symptoms, a thorough evaluation can also identify many opportunities for improvement without medications. The most effective treatment plan may include work-life balance, nutrition and sleep strategies, addressing, avoiding or adapting to triggers, in addition to multiple psychotherapies. When needed, medications with the lowest side effects, easiest to use, most predictably effective & not addictive are recommended. Ultimately, it is up to each person to decide which strategies they will use to achieve wellness.
Although carefully chosen medications can quickly achieve much needed relief of anxiety, depression, insomnia and trauma symptoms, a thorough evaluation can also identify many opportunities for improvement without medications. The most effective treatment plan may include work-life balance, nutrition and sleep strategies, addressing, avoiding or adapting to triggers, in addition to multiple psychotherapies. When needed, medications with the lowest side effects, easiest to use, most predictably effective & not addictive are recommended. Ultimately, it is up to each person to decide which strategies they will use to achieve wellness.
(719) 839-7321 View (719) 839-7321
Photo of Stryder Reilly- - -Takes Medicaid, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
Stryder Reilly- - -Takes Medicaid
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Offering hope through Ketamine-Assisted psychedelic therapy is a revolutionary treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression, & addiction.
We Take Medicaid! Ketamine is a groundbreaking psychedelic treatment that not only offers hope for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, addiction, and PTSD but also helps rewire the brain, providing a unique opportunity for healing and lasting transformation. Under the guidance of professionals, your treatment plan becomes a personalized journey, confronting deep-seated traumas & pain. Ketamine's holistic approach addresses both mental and physical aspects, paving the way for profound transformation. Embrace this opportunity for healing – lets start your journey to recovery now! Give us a call or checkout www.ketaminewest.com
Offering hope through Ketamine-Assisted psychedelic therapy is a revolutionary treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression, & addiction.
We Take Medicaid! Ketamine is a groundbreaking psychedelic treatment that not only offers hope for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, addiction, and PTSD but also helps rewire the brain, providing a unique opportunity for healing and lasting transformation. Under the guidance of professionals, your treatment plan becomes a personalized journey, confronting deep-seated traumas & pain. Ketamine's holistic approach addresses both mental and physical aspects, paving the way for profound transformation. Embrace this opportunity for healing – lets start your journey to recovery now! Give us a call or checkout www.ketaminewest.com
(970) 500-1183 View (970) 500-1183
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.