Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Kern County, CA

Photo of Darrelyn M Dorais, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Darrelyn M Dorais
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
I truly enjoy engaging with clients in the messiness of marriage, divorce, trauma, social discomfort, job worries, parenting, losses/grief, difficulty making a big decision.
The background of my business card shows a water droplet causing ripples in a pond. I selected this photo to represent my idea of how we make changes in our lives; sometimes the tiniest action sets off tremendous improvements in how we live our lives. Living more fully, happily, healthily always is part of how I look at my own life; people who can share this attitude usually are those with whom I see the best outcomes from therapy. If you often ask yourself "What might I learn from this situation", you and I likely will be a good team.
I truly enjoy engaging with clients in the messiness of marriage, divorce, trauma, social discomfort, job worries, parenting, losses/grief, difficulty making a big decision.
The background of my business card shows a water droplet causing ripples in a pond. I selected this photo to represent my idea of how we make changes in our lives; sometimes the tiniest action sets off tremendous improvements in how we live our lives. Living more fully, happily, healthily always is part of how I look at my own life; people who can share this attitude usually are those with whom I see the best outcomes from therapy. If you often ask yourself "What might I learn from this situation", you and I likely will be a good team.
(760) 299-4378 View (760) 299-4378
Photo of Elizabeth Rogers, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Elizabeth Rogers
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93389  (Online Only)
I use Somatic Psychology, a form of body-oriented therapy that uses techniques and holistic approaches, to help people deal with various forms of trauma from daily life stressors to major life incidents.
Chaos happens--accidents, divorces, traumas, as well as setbacks in life, transitions, everyday interruptions, and unexpected events--even falling in love. Chaos untethers us; it changes everything. Our work is to find a new normal--to develop ways to weather the chaos, ultimately leaving us stronger and more resilient.
I use Somatic Psychology, a form of body-oriented therapy that uses techniques and holistic approaches, to help people deal with various forms of trauma from daily life stressors to major life incidents.
Chaos happens--accidents, divorces, traumas, as well as setbacks in life, transitions, everyday interruptions, and unexpected events--even falling in love. Chaos untethers us; it changes everything. Our work is to find a new normal--to develop ways to weather the chaos, ultimately leaving us stronger and more resilient.
(661) 243-0250 View (661) 243-0250
Photo of Maria N Reyes, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Maria N Reyes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tehachapi, CA 93561  (Online Only)
I’d like to begin by acknowledging the courage that it takes to seek out therapy. The reality is that life is hard! Yes, there are beautiful moments but the difficult times are very real. I am a BILINGUAL (Spanish speaking) LMFT providing counseling to individuals and families addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, parenting issues, DCFS, and much more.
I’d like to begin by acknowledging the courage that it takes to seek out therapy. The reality is that life is hard! Yes, there are beautiful moments but the difficult times are very real. I am a BILINGUAL (Spanish speaking) LMFT providing counseling to individuals and families addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, parenting issues, DCFS, and much more.
(661) 215-2801 View (661) 215-2801
Photo of Vicki Underwood, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Vicki Underwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I have worked with various populations and issues, including forensics, sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, transgender, gay & lesbian, adolescents, crisis, self-harming behaviors, couples & families.
We all struggle at times and our struggles are our own, do not compare what may feel catastrophic to you to what others are dealing with. I have been practicing for 12 years and revolve my practice around person-centered therapy; non-judgment, genuineness & positive regard. I will accept you for who you are and we will start where you are. My goal is to help you reach your goals. I find that humor, compassion, and authenticity allow my clients to feel comfortable and progress at the same time. Since 2010, I have provided intensive therapy at institutional, residential, and outpatient levels of care for adults and adolescents.
I have worked with various populations and issues, including forensics, sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, transgender, gay & lesbian, adolescents, crisis, self-harming behaviors, couples & families.
We all struggle at times and our struggles are our own, do not compare what may feel catastrophic to you to what others are dealing with. I have been practicing for 12 years and revolve my practice around person-centered therapy; non-judgment, genuineness & positive regard. I will accept you for who you are and we will start where you are. My goal is to help you reach your goals. I find that humor, compassion, and authenticity allow my clients to feel comfortable and progress at the same time. Since 2010, I have provided intensive therapy at institutional, residential, and outpatient levels of care for adults and adolescents.
(661) 215-6319 View (661) 215-6319
Photo of Alexis Bird, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Alexis Bird
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93308
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, or trauma, I am committed to helping adults, adolescents, and children learn how to cope and grow from these difficulties. My work focuses on assisting individuals and families to discover their resilience and to nurture their mental health. I believe in taking a client-centered, collaborative approach to assist in achieving goals and overcoming life's obstacles.
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, or trauma, I am committed to helping adults, adolescents, and children learn how to cope and grow from these difficulties. My work focuses on assisting individuals and families to discover their resilience and to nurture their mental health. I believe in taking a client-centered, collaborative approach to assist in achieving goals and overcoming life's obstacles.
(661) 556-0241 View (661) 556-0241
Photo of Erika Miranda, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Erika Miranda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Waitlist for new clients
I have a wide range of experience working with child welfare system, county mental health agencies, trauma, depression, anxiety, children, families, couples and OB woman during the prenatal- peripartum period.
Welcome to my profile. I believe it's important to find the Therapist that is right for you. I am passionate about diminishing the stigma surrounding mental health issues within my community.
I have a wide range of experience working with child welfare system, county mental health agencies, trauma, depression, anxiety, children, families, couples and OB woman during the prenatal- peripartum period.
Welcome to my profile. I believe it's important to find the Therapist that is right for you. I am passionate about diminishing the stigma surrounding mental health issues within my community.
(661) 529-2114 View (661) 529-2114
Photo of Shelia Clark, Psychologist in Kern County, CA
Shelia Clark
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301  (Online Only)
I have been active in mental health care for over 40 years, currently specializing in PTSD and other trauma issues. I developed a treatment protocol, called Personalized Embodied Rhythm Coupling (PERC), which is designed to meet your individual needs. “Embodied” means that treatment will help you feel “at home” and “safe” in your body, being in your body in the moment to feel all its emotional, sensory, and physical sensations. You will be connected to, and accept, all parts of your body. You will be able to self-soothe when feeling anxious or fearful.
I have been active in mental health care for over 40 years, currently specializing in PTSD and other trauma issues. I developed a treatment protocol, called Personalized Embodied Rhythm Coupling (PERC), which is designed to meet your individual needs. “Embodied” means that treatment will help you feel “at home” and “safe” in your body, being in your body in the moment to feel all its emotional, sensory, and physical sensations. You will be connected to, and accept, all parts of your body. You will be able to self-soothe when feeling anxious or fearful.
(661) 524-9393 View (661) 524-9393
Photo of Karen Chaney, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Karen Chaney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I work mainly with adults who are experiencing grief and loss, trauma from betrayal, and recurring issues from childhood trauma. Are you currently struggling in your life? Are there repeating patterns in your life that you just cannot seem to shake off regardless of how fast you attempt to run away from them? Do you find that when you engage in new relationships they always end up the same? Many times, we will try to change a relationship dynamic, or shift a situation in our lives, hoping for better results, but we seem to end up in the same place where we started, with essentially the same people with different faces.
I work mainly with adults who are experiencing grief and loss, trauma from betrayal, and recurring issues from childhood trauma. Are you currently struggling in your life? Are there repeating patterns in your life that you just cannot seem to shake off regardless of how fast you attempt to run away from them? Do you find that when you engage in new relationships they always end up the same? Many times, we will try to change a relationship dynamic, or shift a situation in our lives, hoping for better results, but we seem to end up in the same place where we started, with essentially the same people with different faces.
(661) 641-4916 View (661) 641-4916
Photo of Stephanie H Espinosa, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Stephanie H Espinosa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309  (Online Only)
I am skilled in working with at-risk youth, adults, adolescents, trauma, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders and substance use.
Welcome, my name is Stephanie H. Espinosa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Congratulations on taking the first step towards a better you! Often times, the pressures of life, our core beliefs and societal influences can significantly impact our lives in an adverse way. As a result, we often get stuck in self-destructive cycles and lose hope that our lives can be different. We habitually self-medicate with food, alcohol, drugs, work and/or sex to seek a moment of escape and even happiness.
I am skilled in working with at-risk youth, adults, adolescents, trauma, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders and substance use.
Welcome, my name is Stephanie H. Espinosa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Congratulations on taking the first step towards a better you! Often times, the pressures of life, our core beliefs and societal influences can significantly impact our lives in an adverse way. As a result, we often get stuck in self-destructive cycles and lose hope that our lives can be different. We habitually self-medicate with food, alcohol, drugs, work and/or sex to seek a moment of escape and even happiness.
(661) 426-2572 View (661) 426-2572
Photo of Lillian Fox, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Kern County, CA
Lillian Fox
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93304  (Online Only)
In a world full of noise and expectation, are you feeling stuck? My passion lies in supporting Queer young adults as they actively seek identities, lifestyles, career paths & relationships that truly reflect their authentic selves. Along this journey of self-discovery, we also work on rejecting what doesn’t fit—whether it's the weight of parental expectations, the influence of religion, or the burden of internalized societal norms. Therapy with me is a space where you can find confidence in the life path that resonates with you, overcoming the anxiety, attachments, trauma & grief that may have characterized your life until now.
In a world full of noise and expectation, are you feeling stuck? My passion lies in supporting Queer young adults as they actively seek identities, lifestyles, career paths & relationships that truly reflect their authentic selves. Along this journey of self-discovery, we also work on rejecting what doesn’t fit—whether it's the weight of parental expectations, the influence of religion, or the burden of internalized societal norms. Therapy with me is a space where you can find confidence in the life path that resonates with you, overcoming the anxiety, attachments, trauma & grief that may have characterized your life until now.
(661) 690-7064 View (661) 690-7064
Photo of Violet Alcantar, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Violet Alcantar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308  (Online Only)
As a trauma informed therapist, I consider the important role of our mind-body connection.
Hello, I’m Violet, a licensed therapist with 12 years of experience helping individuals to find hope and healing to overcome all of life’s challenges. Whether it be grief, loss, life changes and transitions, anxiety or trauma, relationship concerns, parenting struggles or family conflict, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey. I specialize in working with anxiety/trauma, infertility, new parents, and pregnancy/postpartum concerns. I also have experience and a heart for working with parents of special needs children.
As a trauma informed therapist, I consider the important role of our mind-body connection.
Hello, I’m Violet, a licensed therapist with 12 years of experience helping individuals to find hope and healing to overcome all of life’s challenges. Whether it be grief, loss, life changes and transitions, anxiety or trauma, relationship concerns, parenting struggles or family conflict, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey. I specialize in working with anxiety/trauma, infertility, new parents, and pregnancy/postpartum concerns. I also have experience and a heart for working with parents of special needs children.
(661) 732-2211 View (661) 732-2211
Photo of Karen Fischer, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Karen Fischer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kernville, CA 93238  (Online Only)
I specialize in assisting you in your recovery from depression, anxiety, OCD and PTSD with proven methods including EMDR, family, DBT, and couples therapies. EMDR targets trauma reactions utilizing the body's natural pathways for reducing emotional distress. DBT works to reduce emotional distress. I also work with adolescents experiencing eating disorders using family based treatment proven to yield the best results in working with your family and your child. I have over 26 years of experience. All services are via telehealth so you can access my services wherever you desire.
I specialize in assisting you in your recovery from depression, anxiety, OCD and PTSD with proven methods including EMDR, family, DBT, and couples therapies. EMDR targets trauma reactions utilizing the body's natural pathways for reducing emotional distress. DBT works to reduce emotional distress. I also work with adolescents experiencing eating disorders using family based treatment proven to yield the best results in working with your family and your child. I have over 26 years of experience. All services are via telehealth so you can access my services wherever you desire.
(760) 906-9440 View (760) 906-9440
Photo of Elizabeth Wise, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Elizabeth Wise
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pine Mountain Club, CA 93222  (Online Only)
She believes that anyone has the power to grow and evolve from past trauma and stagnancy.
Dr. Elizabeth Wise graduated with a Masters of Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health from the USC. She completed her licensure hours while also obtaining her PsyD from Cal Southern University. Elizabeth's work as a therapist at Happier Living, Ananda Rayne, STEPS, Aspire Behavioral Health, Clinica Sierra Vista, and Sovereign Health has helped her gain a great deal of knowledge about behavioral health and addiction. She's worked with children, teens, individuals, couples, and families providing psycho-ed and psychotherapy, and uses a wide range of modalities.
She believes that anyone has the power to grow and evolve from past trauma and stagnancy.
Dr. Elizabeth Wise graduated with a Masters of Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health from the USC. She completed her licensure hours while also obtaining her PsyD from Cal Southern University. Elizabeth's work as a therapist at Happier Living, Ananda Rayne, STEPS, Aspire Behavioral Health, Clinica Sierra Vista, and Sovereign Health has helped her gain a great deal of knowledge about behavioral health and addiction. She's worked with children, teens, individuals, couples, and families providing psycho-ed and psychotherapy, and uses a wide range of modalities.
(661) 215-8657 View (661) 215-8657
Photo of Amanda Martin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Amanda Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rosamond, CA 93560  (Online Only)
Hi there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Provider. My background is a combination of trauma and community-based mental health and I work with clients with an array of diverse backgrounds. My work with clients involves finding out how to address the concerns that stop you from living a fulfilling life. Finding answers to question such as: How can we move from surviving to thriving, becoming the best version of what we want for ourselves? Prior to becoming a psychotherapist I spent seven years in crisis work, working with individuals experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault.
Hi there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Provider. My background is a combination of trauma and community-based mental health and I work with clients with an array of diverse backgrounds. My work with clients involves finding out how to address the concerns that stop you from living a fulfilling life. Finding answers to question such as: How can we move from surviving to thriving, becoming the best version of what we want for ourselves? Prior to becoming a psychotherapist I spent seven years in crisis work, working with individuals experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault.
(661) 449-9284 View (661) 449-9284
Photo of Ana Zalles, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Ana Zalles
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I am Ana Zalles, LMFT 137168. I am a multi-dynamic and integrative therapist. I have a background in Trauma, CBT, DBT and multiple other EBP approaches to range ages 3-65+ . I enjoy expanding my treatment expertise and currently training on EMDR and Psychedelic Assisted Treatment. I feel comfortable with clients from all ages and cultural back grounds. I have an extensive training and treatment focus with survivors of trauma, anxiety and depression.
I am Ana Zalles, LMFT 137168. I am a multi-dynamic and integrative therapist. I have a background in Trauma, CBT, DBT and multiple other EBP approaches to range ages 3-65+ . I enjoy expanding my treatment expertise and currently training on EMDR and Psychedelic Assisted Treatment. I feel comfortable with clients from all ages and cultural back grounds. I have an extensive training and treatment focus with survivors of trauma, anxiety and depression.
(661) 768-0903 View (661) 768-0903
Photo of STONE Mental Health Services, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
STONE Mental Health Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, Ed D, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93306
I have experience working with various mental disorders and have especially become connected with trauma-based work.
Clients' needs may vary but most share the same theme of wanting to work toward positive change. My experience with working with such a diverse client population and education in sport & performance psychology has provided me with an approach that I am confident can help almost anyone in need. Therapy has the potential to be a space where clients' can explore their concerns and issues with professional guidance with the focus to achieve their individual goals. Getting symptoms under control, exploring mental blockage, and so many more obstacles can be effectively addressed with the right support.
I have experience working with various mental disorders and have especially become connected with trauma-based work.
Clients' needs may vary but most share the same theme of wanting to work toward positive change. My experience with working with such a diverse client population and education in sport & performance psychology has provided me with an approach that I am confident can help almost anyone in need. Therapy has the potential to be a space where clients' can explore their concerns and issues with professional guidance with the focus to achieve their individual goals. Getting symptoms under control, exploring mental blockage, and so many more obstacles can be effectively addressed with the right support.
(661) 459-5209 View (661) 459-5209
Photo of Rhonda Ince, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Kern County, CA
Rhonda Ince
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93313
My specialties are faith based and include trauma, domestic violence, sexual abuse and assault, suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, life transition, separation and divorce.
In-person and virtual services available, I have a passion for helping others, and take pleasure in helping people learn to manage their circumstances and live a happy and healthy life. I use holistic healing strategies in therapy and addresses each client through the lens of mind, body, and spirit. I enjoy expanding the mind with new ideas and practices by being an active learner in this regard which allows me to continue bringing fresh perspectives and healing strategies into sessions. I am fascinated with the brain and body working in unison, which can lead to swift healing and rapid achievement of the therapy goals of her cli
My specialties are faith based and include trauma, domestic violence, sexual abuse and assault, suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, life transition, separation and divorce.
In-person and virtual services available, I have a passion for helping others, and take pleasure in helping people learn to manage their circumstances and live a happy and healthy life. I use holistic healing strategies in therapy and addresses each client through the lens of mind, body, and spirit. I enjoy expanding the mind with new ideas and practices by being an active learner in this regard which allows me to continue bringing fresh perspectives and healing strategies into sessions. I am fascinated with the brain and body working in unison, which can lead to swift healing and rapid achievement of the therapy goals of her cli
(661) 463-9101 View (661) 463-9101
Photo of Angeli Fernandez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Angeli Fernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309  (Online Only)
I help treat many symptoms of mental illnesses to include depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, and substance abuse.
It takes a lot of courage to ask for help, and it is an honor to be trusted with your healing journey. I provide a compassionate and supportive therapeutic environment for my clients. Together, we will work on identifying what is no longer serving you, develop goals and a plan that work for you to make changes to reduce, and even eliminate, these feelings and behaviors causing pain and distress in your life today. My style is warm, open, engaging, occasionally humorous, and at all times respectful. My approach to counseling is caring, supportive, and genuine.
I help treat many symptoms of mental illnesses to include depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, and substance abuse.
It takes a lot of courage to ask for help, and it is an honor to be trusted with your healing journey. I provide a compassionate and supportive therapeutic environment for my clients. Together, we will work on identifying what is no longer serving you, develop goals and a plan that work for you to make changes to reduce, and even eliminate, these feelings and behaviors causing pain and distress in your life today. My style is warm, open, engaging, occasionally humorous, and at all times respectful. My approach to counseling is caring, supportive, and genuine.
(661) 215-8242 View (661) 215-8242
Photo of Erin Igarashi-Parra, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Erin Igarashi-Parra
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Shafter, CA 93263  (Online Only)
My experience includes working with trauma, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, intimate partner violence, and women’s issues.
It can be very difficult to take steps towards positive change when facing challenges in life. Have you been having difficulties engaging in things you previously enjoyed? Are you isolating and finding it harder to talk to family or friends? If you are looking for a safe empowering space where you can begin the process of healing, you have already taken your first step.
My experience includes working with trauma, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, intimate partner violence, and women’s issues.
It can be very difficult to take steps towards positive change when facing challenges in life. Have you been having difficulties engaging in things you previously enjoyed? Are you isolating and finding it harder to talk to family or friends? If you are looking for a safe empowering space where you can begin the process of healing, you have already taken your first step.
(661) 724-4866 View (661) 724-4866
Photo of Christian Counseling with Stephanie, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Christian Counseling with Stephanie
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93306
I am trained in and have experience delivering Prolonged Exposure (PE), one of the 4 Strongly Recommended Treatments for PTSD by the American Psychological Association.
Ever feel like all you do in therapy is talk about problems, but never get to the really important part of making concrete changes? I know many individuals have expressed these concerns to me. So, you may ask, "How can I change that?" Enter Evidence-Based Practice! Research shows us how to do it! It shows us what works and what doesn’t work. I can take those findings and translate them into the changes you are seeking to make in your life. It takes the guesswork out of getting from Point A to Point B. You’ll spend less time in therapy as your goals will be focused and tracked so we know we are moving in the right direction.
I am trained in and have experience delivering Prolonged Exposure (PE), one of the 4 Strongly Recommended Treatments for PTSD by the American Psychological Association.
Ever feel like all you do in therapy is talk about problems, but never get to the really important part of making concrete changes? I know many individuals have expressed these concerns to me. So, you may ask, "How can I change that?" Enter Evidence-Based Practice! Research shows us how to do it! It shows us what works and what doesn’t work. I can take those findings and translate them into the changes you are seeking to make in your life. It takes the guesswork out of getting from Point A to Point B. You’ll spend less time in therapy as your goals will be focused and tracked so we know we are moving in the right direction.
(661) 402-6526 View (661) 402-6526

Trauma and PTSD Therapists

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.