Trauma and PTSD Psychiatrists in Santa Monica, CA

Photo of Meredith Sagan, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist
Meredith Sagan
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Sagan specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, addiction and psycho-spiritual crises.
With extensive expertise in psychiatric medication management, homeopathy, and mind-body medicine psychotherapies, Dr. Sagan offers a unique combination of treatments to help you or your loved one find stability, peace and balance, safely and effectively. At your first appointment Dr. Sagan will review and adjust any medication you may be taking to the most safe and effective regimen possible, or start new medications if indicated. At subsequent appointments, in a dynamic and highly intuitive environment, you will develop a deep understanding of yourself through mind-body techniques that are also designed to eventually replace your medication if practiced regularly.
Sagan specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, addiction and psycho-spiritual crises.
With extensive expertise in psychiatric medication management, homeopathy, and mind-body medicine psychotherapies, Dr. Sagan offers a unique combination of treatments to help you or your loved one find stability, peace and balance, safely and effectively. At your first appointment Dr. Sagan will review and adjust any medication you may be taking to the most safe and effective regimen possible, or start new medications if indicated. At subsequent appointments, in a dynamic and highly intuitive environment, you will develop a deep understanding of yourself through mind-body techniques that are also designed to eventually replace your medication if practiced regularly.
(310) 421-8906 View (310) 421-8906
Photo of Emil Soorani - Emil Soorani MD, MD, Psychiatrist
Emil Soorani MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I have over 38 yrs of experience using psychopharmacology to treat depression, bi-polar, anxiety, dementias, ADHD, traumatic injuries, PTSD, and complex psychiatric disorders compounded by medical illnesses.
My approach is a compassionate and mindful approach to medicine. People need to feel comfortable and cared for in the process of medical and psychiatric treatment. I often combine meditative technique with exercise and stress reduction as an important part of my patient's medical psychiatric treatment.
I have over 38 yrs of experience using psychopharmacology to treat depression, bi-polar, anxiety, dementias, ADHD, traumatic injuries, PTSD, and complex psychiatric disorders compounded by medical illnesses.
My approach is a compassionate and mindful approach to medicine. People need to feel comfortable and cared for in the process of medical and psychiatric treatment. I often combine meditative technique with exercise and stress reduction as an important part of my patient's medical psychiatric treatment.
(424) 294-8980 View (424) 294-8980
Photo of Vanessa Velez, MD, Psychiatrist
Vanessa Velez
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403  (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients! Hi! I understand that it’s probably taken a lot to get here: emotional pain, depression, anxiety, grief and maybe even existential crises. I want you to know that you are not alone and it does get better with time. I am a holistic board-certified psychiatrist and therapist who specializes in helping adults struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, ecological and spiritual distress find inner peace. I combine holistic approaches such as creativity and spirituality with traditional modalities such as psychotherapy and medications, when needed.
Accepting New Patients! Hi! I understand that it’s probably taken a lot to get here: emotional pain, depression, anxiety, grief and maybe even existential crises. I want you to know that you are not alone and it does get better with time. I am a holistic board-certified psychiatrist and therapist who specializes in helping adults struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, ecological and spiritual distress find inner peace. I combine holistic approaches such as creativity and spirituality with traditional modalities such as psychotherapy and medications, when needed.
(949) 569-5933 View (949) 569-5933
Photo of Elana Miller, MD, Psychiatrist
Elana Miller
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
25 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
To request a consultation, please submit a request via my website at: zenpsychiatry.com/private-practice. I am not able to respond to requests via phone or my Psychology Today profile. Thank you! I am a functional and integrative psychiatrist who will treat you as a whole person— mind, brain, body, and soul. I combine holistic approaches like nutritional supplementation, herbal/plant-based medicine, advanced laboratory testing, and mind-body medicine with traditional psychiatric approaches like medication and solution-oriented psychotherapy. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar spectrum illness, and PTSD/ Trauma.
To request a consultation, please submit a request via my website at: zenpsychiatry.com/private-practice. I am not able to respond to requests via phone or my Psychology Today profile. Thank you! I am a functional and integrative psychiatrist who will treat you as a whole person— mind, brain, body, and soul. I combine holistic approaches like nutritional supplementation, herbal/plant-based medicine, advanced laboratory testing, and mind-body medicine with traditional psychiatric approaches like medication and solution-oriented psychotherapy. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar spectrum illness, and PTSD/ Trauma.
(424) 217-3197 View (424) 217-3197
Plus by APN - Malibu Psychiatry & Neurotech
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Plus by APN offers psychiatric evaluations, medication management, Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (for depression, OCD, anxious depression, smoking cessation, and off-label treatments), neurofeedback, ketamine-assisted treatment (for depression, trauma, and more), stellate ganglion block (for trauma, long COVID, etc), brain mapping, and qEEG.
We're Plus by APN - a team of psychiatry, therapy, and medical providers who have come together to provide real, comprehensive, interventional care for your mental health and well-being. Traditional psychiatry involves diagnosis and medication management. And we certainly do those. But at Plus by APN, we also provide in-depth psychiatric assessments to help you determine the best comprehensive treatment plan for your needs - whether that be therapy, medication, Deep TMS, ketamine-assisted healing, brain mapping, neurofeedback, stellate ganglion block (SGB) or some combination of the above.
Plus by APN offers psychiatric evaluations, medication management, Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (for depression, OCD, anxious depression, smoking cessation, and off-label treatments), neurofeedback, ketamine-assisted treatment (for depression, trauma, and more), stellate ganglion block (for trauma, long COVID, etc), brain mapping, and qEEG.
We're Plus by APN - a team of psychiatry, therapy, and medical providers who have come together to provide real, comprehensive, interventional care for your mental health and well-being. Traditional psychiatry involves diagnosis and medication management. And we certainly do those. But at Plus by APN, we also provide in-depth psychiatric assessments to help you determine the best comprehensive treatment plan for your needs - whether that be therapy, medication, Deep TMS, ketamine-assisted healing, brain mapping, neurofeedback, stellate ganglion block (SGB) or some combination of the above.
(310) 878-0818 View (310) 878-0818
Photo of Tanya Brosnan | Anxiety Depression Ptsd Assessment | Sgb | Ketamine Therapy, Physician Assistant
Tanya Brosnan | Anxiety Depression Ptsd Assessment | Sgb | Ketamine Therapy
Physician Assistant
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90402  (Online Only)
I am a Physician Assistant at Stella Center with sixteen-plus years of experience. We specialize in identifying which innovative medical treatments & virtual therapies can help relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD & TBI. After completing a virtual assessment together that accounts for medical, biological, psychological & social factors, I provide individualized treatment recommendations across our advanced protocols: the dual sympathetic reset (an advanced stellate ganglion block), ketamine infusions, integration therapy, and more. This allows you to feel better faster and maintain long-lasting gains.
I am a Physician Assistant at Stella Center with sixteen-plus years of experience. We specialize in identifying which innovative medical treatments & virtual therapies can help relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD & TBI. After completing a virtual assessment together that accounts for medical, biological, psychological & social factors, I provide individualized treatment recommendations across our advanced protocols: the dual sympathetic reset (an advanced stellate ganglion block), ketamine infusions, integration therapy, and more. This allows you to feel better faster and maintain long-lasting gains.
(949) 832-7913 View (949) 832-7913
Photo of Heather Mak - Dr. Heather Mak- Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Heather Mak- Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Dr. Heather Mak is a psychiatrist with experience in helping patients with issues like hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Dr. Heather Mak is a psychiatrist with experience in helping patients with issues like hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
(657) 366-5298 View (657) 366-5298
Photo of Katherine Watkins, MD, MSHS, Psychiatrist
Katherine Watkins
Psychiatrist, MD, MSHS
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
In addition to expertise in ISTDP, I have specialized experience in women’s mental health and trauma.
I am a Los Angeles-based psychiatrist with a private practice in West LA and primarily see patients in-person for both medication and psychotherapy. I believe people can best realize their potential to grow in the context of supportive relationships and that a good relationship with a therapist can change your life. While I individualize treatment depending on your needs/preferences, I also stay abreast of the research literature to give you state-of-the-art treatment scientifically supported by the most current evidence.
In addition to expertise in ISTDP, I have specialized experience in women’s mental health and trauma.
I am a Los Angeles-based psychiatrist with a private practice in West LA and primarily see patients in-person for both medication and psychotherapy. I believe people can best realize their potential to grow in the context of supportive relationships and that a good relationship with a therapist can change your life. While I individualize treatment depending on your needs/preferences, I also stay abreast of the research literature to give you state-of-the-art treatment scientifically supported by the most current evidence.
(424) 232-0453 View (424) 232-0453
Photo of Bernadette Grosjean, MD, Psychiatrist
Bernadette Grosjean
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Specific areas of expertise are Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, Bipolar Disorders and Adult Autism.
I have practiced psychiatry for over 30 years including 11 years as a professor of psychiatry at Harbor UCLA and 20 years in a NGO based in the Asian and Hispanic communities. Working with individuals with wide-ranging diagnoses and very different life journeys, I learned the value of flexibility and use different modes of psychotherapy based on my assessment of the patient's needs. I have a strong psychopharmacology background and prescribe medication when appropriate. I believe in a candid, respectful and collaborative relationship with the patient and his/her family if appropriate, and referring healthcare professional always.
Specific areas of expertise are Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, Bipolar Disorders and Adult Autism.
I have practiced psychiatry for over 30 years including 11 years as a professor of psychiatry at Harbor UCLA and 20 years in a NGO based in the Asian and Hispanic communities. Working with individuals with wide-ranging diagnoses and very different life journeys, I learned the value of flexibility and use different modes of psychotherapy based on my assessment of the patient's needs. I have a strong psychopharmacology background and prescribe medication when appropriate. I believe in a candid, respectful and collaborative relationship with the patient and his/her family if appropriate, and referring healthcare professional always.
(310) 896-4039 View (310) 896-4039
Photo of Mojan Saberi, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mojan Saberi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
One of Mojan’s primary passions is supporting patients dealing with PTSD, trauma, and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. She also has a strong focus on helping individuals with sleep disorders, including insomnia, recognizing the critical impact of healthy sleep on overall mental health. Her expertise in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and medication-based interventions like Spravato and TMS ensures that patients have access to diverse and effective treatments for their conditions.
One of Mojan’s primary passions is supporting patients dealing with PTSD, trauma, and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. She also has a strong focus on helping individuals with sleep disorders, including insomnia, recognizing the critical impact of healthy sleep on overall mental health. Her expertise in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and medication-based interventions like Spravato and TMS ensures that patients have access to diverse and effective treatments for their conditions.
(833) 939-0348 View (833) 939-0348
Photo of Mojan Saberi, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mojan Saberi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
My areas of focus include substance use disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety, bipolar spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Are you stuck in what feels like an endless cycle of symptom management and negative self-talk? Do you find yourself feeling like every visit just ends with a new med and you feeling unheard? If you're looking for an experienced professional who is compassionate and is here to understand your unique needs, I am here to help. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience working in the mental health fields of crisis stabilization and outpatient care.
My areas of focus include substance use disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety, bipolar spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Are you stuck in what feels like an endless cycle of symptom management and negative self-talk? Do you find yourself feeling like every visit just ends with a new med and you feeling unheard? If you're looking for an experienced professional who is compassionate and is here to understand your unique needs, I am here to help. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience working in the mental health fields of crisis stabilization and outpatient care.
(562) 561-2526 View (562) 561-2526
Photo of Jamie Plaxco, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jamie Plaxco
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Jamie is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, ADHD, substance abuse, OCD and mood disorders. She works closely with a residential treatment center in West Los Angeles that offers more intensive treatment for trauma and OCD.
Jamie is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, ADHD, substance abuse, OCD and mood disorders. She works closely with a residential treatment center in West Los Angeles that offers more intensive treatment for trauma and OCD.
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Photo of Kevin Simonson - Dr. Kevin Simonson - Cura Behavioral Health, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Kevin Simonson - Cura Behavioral Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403  (Online Only)
He is certified in Psychedelic Therapy and Research from CIIS and MAPS to treat PTSD with MDMA.
Dr. Kevin Simonson offers an integrative approach to mental health care, specializing in mood disorders, anxiety, and PTSD. With years of experience, he combines evidence-based treatments like TMS, Ketamine, and MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, with a holistic, personalized approach. Certified in Psychedelic Therapy, Integrative Psychiatry, and Psychodynamic Therapy, Dr. Simonson ensures that each patient receives the most advanced care tailored to their needs. We’re dedicated to helping you achieve lasting well-being through innovative and compassionate treatment.
He is certified in Psychedelic Therapy and Research from CIIS and MAPS to treat PTSD with MDMA.
Dr. Kevin Simonson offers an integrative approach to mental health care, specializing in mood disorders, anxiety, and PTSD. With years of experience, he combines evidence-based treatments like TMS, Ketamine, and MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, with a holistic, personalized approach. Certified in Psychedelic Therapy, Integrative Psychiatry, and Psychodynamic Therapy, Dr. Simonson ensures that each patient receives the most advanced care tailored to their needs. We’re dedicated to helping you achieve lasting well-being through innovative and compassionate treatment.
(424) 306-0269 View (424) 306-0269
Photo of Shannon Jones, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shannon Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405  (Online Only)
My name is Shannon Jones and I am an Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am a holistic focused, patient-centered provider who chooses to focus on the inner-healing ability of every person. My goal is to support clients on their journey to heal themselves utilizing both traditional and alternative methods. I am an Army veteran comfortable working with veterans, first responders, police, firefighters and other first-line trauma workers.
My name is Shannon Jones and I am an Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am a holistic focused, patient-centered provider who chooses to focus on the inner-healing ability of every person. My goal is to support clients on their journey to heal themselves utilizing both traditional and alternative methods. I am an Army veteran comfortable working with veterans, first responders, police, firefighters and other first-line trauma workers.
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911
Photo of Dr. Lukman-Afis Babajide, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Lukman-Afis Babajide
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Dr. Lukman-afis Babajide is board-certified in adult psychiatry and specializes in transgender psychiatry and gender-affirming mental health. Dr. Babajide also has experience working with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. He provides medication management and completes diagnostic evaluations and treatment for individuals wishing to attain gender-affirming care. Dr. Babajide completed his residency at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Dr. Lukman-afis Babajide is board-certified in adult psychiatry and specializes in transgender psychiatry and gender-affirming mental health. Dr. Babajide also has experience working with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. He provides medication management and completes diagnostic evaluations and treatment for individuals wishing to attain gender-affirming care. Dr. Babajide completed his residency at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
(855) 743-2006 View (855) 743-2006
Photo of David Wallace, PA-C, MPH, Physician Assistant
David Wallace
Physician Assistant, PA-C, MPH
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I am currently an outpatient provider associated with the Moment Health by Dr. Stacy Cohen. I help assist, diagnose, and treat a variety of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, addiction, bipolar, and personality disorders. We pride ourselves in using a combined approach utilizing biological, psychologic, social, and spiritual approach for each patient. I can help initiate, manage, adjust, or titrate off medications as well as help coordinate your care with therapists, addiction counselors, and treatment centers.
I am currently an outpatient provider associated with the Moment Health by Dr. Stacy Cohen. I help assist, diagnose, and treat a variety of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, addiction, bipolar, and personality disorders. We pride ourselves in using a combined approach utilizing biological, psychologic, social, and spiritual approach for each patient. I can help initiate, manage, adjust, or titrate off medications as well as help coordinate your care with therapists, addiction counselors, and treatment centers.
(424) 704-9589 View (424) 704-9589
Photo of Jamie Plaxco, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jamie Plaxco
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Jamie is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with expertise in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, ADHD, substance abuse, OCD, and mood disorders. Jamie’s approach is patient-centered, combining evidence-based care with a deep understanding of the psychological, biological, and social factors influencing mental health. Known for creating a safe, non-judgmental space, Jamie works collaboratively with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that promote healing and well-being.
Jamie is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with expertise in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, ADHD, substance abuse, OCD, and mood disorders. Jamie’s approach is patient-centered, combining evidence-based care with a deep understanding of the psychological, biological, and social factors influencing mental health. Known for creating a safe, non-judgmental space, Jamie works collaboratively with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that promote healing and well-being.
(424) 587-1845 View (424) 587-1845
Photo of Christian F Reusche, MD, Psychiatrist
Christian F Reusche
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I'm a psychedelic informed clinician who partook in the MAPS clinical trial: MDMA assisted therapy for PTSD.
Psychiatry should not just be about providing medicine and treating an acute medical problem, but to help you understand yourself, enjoy life, cope with adversity, and help discover your true inner self. Therapy is a collaborative process of uncovering, embracing, adapting, and making changes you're willing to make in order to better yourself. I look forward to collaboratively working on what you'd like to understand and learn about yourself; to providing a safe place where you can express yourself, feel open to discuss anything, and explore further into your inner and outer world.
I'm a psychedelic informed clinician who partook in the MAPS clinical trial: MDMA assisted therapy for PTSD.
Psychiatry should not just be about providing medicine and treating an acute medical problem, but to help you understand yourself, enjoy life, cope with adversity, and help discover your true inner self. Therapy is a collaborative process of uncovering, embracing, adapting, and making changes you're willing to make in order to better yourself. I look forward to collaboratively working on what you'd like to understand and learn about yourself; to providing a safe place where you can express yourself, feel open to discuss anything, and explore further into your inner and outer world.
(843) 940-8197 View (843) 940-8197
Photo of Eva Altobelli - Home-LA, MD, Psychiatrist
Eva Altobelli - Home-LA
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I find that life is a challenge for most of us. The allure of self medication to deal with life's stressors is often a temptation. Just being human and living within our society creates obstacles to stress free living. We are complicated creatures and it has taken us many years of experiences and usually some trauma to become who we are now. I believe there is not one path to healing and each of us have the capacity to heal.
I find that life is a challenge for most of us. The allure of self medication to deal with life's stressors is often a temptation. Just being human and living within our society creates obstacles to stress free living. We are complicated creatures and it has taken us many years of experiences and usually some trauma to become who we are now. I believe there is not one path to healing and each of us have the capacity to heal.
(310) 596-4301 View (310) 596-4301
Photo of Pavel Ksendz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Pavel Ksendz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401  (Online Only)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
(805) 900-4030 View (805) 900-4030
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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.