Trauma and PTSD Psychiatrists in La Mesa, CA

Photo of Maryam Hakma Lateef, MHNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Maryam Hakma Lateef
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MHNP-BC
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942  (Online Only)
Hi there, Are you struggling with depression, grief, trauma, anxiety, not able to focus or concentrate when you need to? Are you considering psychiatric medication management as part of your treatment along with an integrated, holistic approach? Then welcome to my practice. I specialize in treating these conditions, using a holistic, integrated approach, including bio-energenetics. Each individual is a unique, multidimensional being with expressions of mind, body and spirit. The continuum of health, is maintained through a delicate balance of these divisions within the human energy field.
Hi there, Are you struggling with depression, grief, trauma, anxiety, not able to focus or concentrate when you need to? Are you considering psychiatric medication management as part of your treatment along with an integrated, holistic approach? Then welcome to my practice. I specialize in treating these conditions, using a holistic, integrated approach, including bio-energenetics. Each individual is a unique, multidimensional being with expressions of mind, body and spirit. The continuum of health, is maintained through a delicate balance of these divisions within the human energy field.
(520) 666-8099 View (520) 666-8099
Photo of Dr. Nita Paintal, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Nita Paintal
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942
Dr. Nita Paintal is an adult and geriatric psychiatrist.
Dr. Nita Paintal is an adult and geriatric psychiatrist.
(619) 453-0114 View (619) 453-0114

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of David Lindley, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
David Lindley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92124  (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I approach psychiatric care with a holistic perspective and a focus on your overall well-being. My practice is grounded in psychotropic medication management, bolstered by a commitment to your lifestyle, diet, exercise, and daily habits. I specialize in caring for individuals aged 18 to 65, with a focus on psychotropic medication management. I am most comfortable treating a range of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and Panic Disorder.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I approach psychiatric care with a holistic perspective and a focus on your overall well-being. My practice is grounded in psychotropic medication management, bolstered by a commitment to your lifestyle, diet, exercise, and daily habits. I specialize in caring for individuals aged 18 to 65, with a focus on psychotropic medication management. I am most comfortable treating a range of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and Panic Disorder.
(951) 720-1164 View (951) 720-1164
Photo of Nicole Bellisario, DNP, PMHNPBC, CNL, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nicole Bellisario
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, CNL
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92132  (Online Only)
If you are having problems with communication, relationships, anger, low frustration tolerance, stress, grief, trauma, burnout, powerlessness, or self-esteem, I am dedicated to your deep healing in a safe, relaxed, judgment-free space.
I have extensive experience in psychiatric nursing working with diverse patient populations in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. I have been a nurse for seven years and my absolute favorite part of my job has always been a genuine, therapeutic relationship with my clients. I provide both medication management and eclectic psychotherapy in caring for the mental health of women, men, adolescents, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, healthcare workers, first responders, and trauma survivors. My current focus is clients with anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and ADHD.
If you are having problems with communication, relationships, anger, low frustration tolerance, stress, grief, trauma, burnout, powerlessness, or self-esteem, I am dedicated to your deep healing in a safe, relaxed, judgment-free space.
I have extensive experience in psychiatric nursing working with diverse patient populations in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. I have been a nurse for seven years and my absolute favorite part of my job has always been a genuine, therapeutic relationship with my clients. I provide both medication management and eclectic psychotherapy in caring for the mental health of women, men, adolescents, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, healthcare workers, first responders, and trauma survivors. My current focus is clients with anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and ADHD.
(562) 573-9296 View (562) 573-9296
Photo of Markus Ploesser - Open Mind Health, MD, Psychiatrist
Open Mind Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, isolation, relationship/family issues? At Open Mind Health, we get to the “root cause” of what’s actually leading to your emotional challenges, while treating the resulting issues and developing lasting solutions to help you feel optimistic and hopeful. We offer customized holistic treatment plans in our wellness tracks developed to provide lasting results, Our therapists and life coaches are compassionate and forward-thinkers. Call us today to get started on your path to mental wellness at 855-550-MIND (6463).
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, isolation, relationship/family issues? At Open Mind Health, we get to the “root cause” of what’s actually leading to your emotional challenges, while treating the resulting issues and developing lasting solutions to help you feel optimistic and hopeful. We offer customized holistic treatment plans in our wellness tracks developed to provide lasting results, Our therapists and life coaches are compassionate and forward-thinkers. Call us today to get started on your path to mental wellness at 855-550-MIND (6463).
(619) 949-0858 View (619) 949-0858
Photo of Kara Ditto, MD, Psychiatrist
Kara Ditto
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92105  (Online Only)
My name is Kara Ditto, MD and I am a board-certified psychiatrist offering online medication management to adults. I treat an array of conditions, however, my specializations include bipolar, depression, psychotic disorders, PTSD, trauma, mood disorders, and women's issues. I do not prescribe controlled substances or stimulants.
My name is Kara Ditto, MD and I am a board-certified psychiatrist offering online medication management to adults. I treat an array of conditions, however, my specializations include bipolar, depression, psychotic disorders, PTSD, trauma, mood disorders, and women's issues. I do not prescribe controlled substances or stimulants.
(213) 699-5721 View (213) 699-5721
Photo of Mohammed Ahmed, MD, Psychiatrist
Mohammed Ahmed
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101
Symptoms such as depression and anxiety can be caused by chemical imbalances in a person’s brain. Medications can relieve these symptoms by changing brain chemicals that influence mood and thought patterns. Because every individual responds differently to every medication, a specialized neuropsychiatrist is the best equipped to prescribe and manage drug therapy. At Kaizen, our neuropsychiatrist considers the whole patient, including symptom and medication history. Dr. Ahmed also has a strong background with military, veteran, and active-duty patients suffering from PTSD, MDD, or Generalized Anxiety.
Symptoms such as depression and anxiety can be caused by chemical imbalances in a person’s brain. Medications can relieve these symptoms by changing brain chemicals that influence mood and thought patterns. Because every individual responds differently to every medication, a specialized neuropsychiatrist is the best equipped to prescribe and manage drug therapy. At Kaizen, our neuropsychiatrist considers the whole patient, including symptom and medication history. Dr. Ahmed also has a strong background with military, veteran, and active-duty patients suffering from PTSD, MDD, or Generalized Anxiety.
(844) 417-7209 View (844) 417-7209
Photo of Robert McLay, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Robert McLay
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Individual psychotherapy, medication management, and advanced modalities, such as transcranial magnetic simulation, are offered for depression, pain, trauma, cognitive function, and maximal performance.
Robert McLay is a psychiatrist and pain medicine physician who received board certifications in three areas: General Psychiatry, Pain Medicine, and Psychosomatic Medicine (the overlap between medical and mental health). He has a special focus on military, their families, and high-performance issues, but treats all mental health conditions. Dr. McLay received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Johns Hopkins University, and his Ph.D. in neuroscience and M.D. from Tulane University. He received specialty training from Naval Medical Center, the University of California San Diego, and the American Psychoanalytic Association.
Individual psychotherapy, medication management, and advanced modalities, such as transcranial magnetic simulation, are offered for depression, pain, trauma, cognitive function, and maximal performance.
Robert McLay is a psychiatrist and pain medicine physician who received board certifications in three areas: General Psychiatry, Pain Medicine, and Psychosomatic Medicine (the overlap between medical and mental health). He has a special focus on military, their families, and high-performance issues, but treats all mental health conditions. Dr. McLay received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Johns Hopkins University, and his Ph.D. in neuroscience and M.D. from Tulane University. He received specialty training from Naval Medical Center, the University of California San Diego, and the American Psychoanalytic Association.
(619) 393-7968 View (619) 393-7968
Photo of Ankur Bindal - KMG Psychiatry (Dr. Ankur Bindal), MD, MPH, FAPA, FAASM, Psychiatrist
KMG Psychiatry (Dr. Ankur Bindal)
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH, FAPA, FAASM
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020  (Online Only)
KMG Psychiatry uses a combination of traditional and innovative treatments to target a wide range of conditions, including anxiety and depression, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep disorders.
KMG Psychiatry is an integrative psychiatry practice (with 3 offices in Vista, Sorrento Valley and Chula Vista areas providing convenient access) delivering high-quality, comprehensive care to the communities of San-Diego County, with a multi-faceted approach, striving to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths, creating an individualized treatment plan for every patient, using a combination of traditional and innovative treatments. We offer medication management, psychotherapy and state of the art Neurostar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
KMG Psychiatry uses a combination of traditional and innovative treatments to target a wide range of conditions, including anxiety and depression, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep disorders.
KMG Psychiatry is an integrative psychiatry practice (with 3 offices in Vista, Sorrento Valley and Chula Vista areas providing convenient access) delivering high-quality, comprehensive care to the communities of San-Diego County, with a multi-faceted approach, striving to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths, creating an individualized treatment plan for every patient, using a combination of traditional and innovative treatments. We offer medication management, psychotherapy and state of the art Neurostar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
(619) 393-3114 View (619) 393-3114
Photo of David Lindley, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
David Lindley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92124
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I approach psychiatric care with a holistic perspective and a focus on your overall well-being. My practice is grounded in psychotropic medication management, bolstered by a commitment to your lifestyle, diet, exercise, and daily habits. I specialize in caring for individuals aged 18 to 65, with a focus on psychotropic medication management. I am most comfortable treating a range of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and Panic Disorder.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I approach psychiatric care with a holistic perspective and a focus on your overall well-being. My practice is grounded in psychotropic medication management, bolstered by a commitment to your lifestyle, diet, exercise, and daily habits. I specialize in caring for individuals aged 18 to 65, with a focus on psychotropic medication management. I am most comfortable treating a range of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and Panic Disorder.
(951) 396-4408 View (951) 396-4408
Photo of Dr. Adarezza Ferrer, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Adarezza Ferrer
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92101
I am a board-certified psychiatrist committed to providing compassionate mental health care. I have extensive experience working with young and older adult populations, treating mood disorders and behavioral problems. Common conditions I work with include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
I am a board-certified psychiatrist committed to providing compassionate mental health care. I have extensive experience working with young and older adult populations, treating mood disorders and behavioral problems. Common conditions I work with include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
(760) 274-8206 View (760) 274-8206
Photo of Princess McKenzie, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Princess McKenzie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(619) 826-4984 View (619) 826-4984
Photo of Margaret Gold, MD, Psychiatrist
Margaret Gold
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103
I specifically treat unrelenting depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD, otherwise not well treated by traditional psychiatric medications. With a trauma informed, holistic, integrative approach to psychiatric treatment, I offer a safe container for you to explore and heal from the inside. With 1:1 individualized treatment, using Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, unlike other ketamine clinics, I will stay by your side throughout in a safe, home like setting. We believe in your innate ability to heal in a setting of safety, feeling heard and seen, and empathy. If you are looking for a new approach, please let us know.
I specifically treat unrelenting depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD, otherwise not well treated by traditional psychiatric medications. With a trauma informed, holistic, integrative approach to psychiatric treatment, I offer a safe container for you to explore and heal from the inside. With 1:1 individualized treatment, using Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, unlike other ketamine clinics, I will stay by your side throughout in a safe, home like setting. We believe in your innate ability to heal in a setting of safety, feeling heard and seen, and empathy. If you are looking for a new approach, please let us know.
(760) 428-1916 View (760) 428-1916
Photo of Kailee Marin, DO, Psychiatrist
Kailee Marin
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92102  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(408) 549-8110 View (408) 549-8110
Dr. John Lowry
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108
Dr. John Lowry helps children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disorders.
Dr. John Lowry helps children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disorders.
(619) 457-4410 View (619) 457-4410
Photo of Demetria Posadas, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Demetria Posadas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92104  (Online Only)
I am Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who specializes in mood disorders such as anxiety and depression to ADHD, PTSD and more! I do both medication management along with therapy.
All that a we are, is a result of what we have thought- Gautama Buddha. Change is possible and we all have the capabilities to become who we imagine. It indeed isn't easy, especially if we have ongoing anxiety, depression, anger, etc. but whatever it is you may struggling with it isn't the end. Together we can help navigate through these difficulties, developing coping skills as a team to find our true inner self that is yearning to be free.
I am Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who specializes in mood disorders such as anxiety and depression to ADHD, PTSD and more! I do both medication management along with therapy.
All that a we are, is a result of what we have thought- Gautama Buddha. Change is possible and we all have the capabilities to become who we imagine. It indeed isn't easy, especially if we have ongoing anxiety, depression, anger, etc. but whatever it is you may struggling with it isn't the end. Together we can help navigate through these difficulties, developing coping skills as a team to find our true inner self that is yearning to be free.
(626) 746-4303 View (626) 746-4303
Photo of Kai Macdonald, MD, Psychiatrist
Kai Macdonald
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103
I have particular experience in treating addiction, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma.
A real, caring relationship with a doctor that knows you as a person is the most important aspect of care. To facilitate these relationships, my practice is small, responsive and high-touch. A concierge practice means I work for you, not an insurance company, and put personalized care over patient volume. In my practice, you will get a high level of individual attention. In terms of real-world delivery of care, I designed my practice so that it is flexible to your needs and accessible based on your schedule.
I have particular experience in treating addiction, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma.
A real, caring relationship with a doctor that knows you as a person is the most important aspect of care. To facilitate these relationships, my practice is small, responsive and high-touch. A concierge practice means I work for you, not an insurance company, and put personalized care over patient volume. In my practice, you will get a high level of individual attention. In terms of real-world delivery of care, I designed my practice so that it is flexible to your needs and accessible based on your schedule.
(619) 456-0999 View (619) 456-0999
Photo of Lena Allos, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lena Allos
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92134
Waitlist for new clients
Lena is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has experience treating children, adolescents, and adults with psychiatric disorders including Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, Sleeping Disorders, and Substance Abuse. She is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and specializes in LGBTQ+ mental health care. She also specializes in IV therapy including Ketamine infusions, vitamins, and NAD+ infusions. Ketamine is used for the treatment of depression. As an additional option for specialty care, we are proud to offer Concierge services.
Lena is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has experience treating children, adolescents, and adults with psychiatric disorders including Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, Sleeping Disorders, and Substance Abuse. She is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and specializes in LGBTQ+ mental health care. She also specializes in IV therapy including Ketamine infusions, vitamins, and NAD+ infusions. Ketamine is used for the treatment of depression. As an additional option for specialty care, we are proud to offer Concierge services.
(442) 259-1282 View (442) 259-1282
Photo of Caleb Davis, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Caleb Davis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92105  (Online Only)
My name is Caleb Davis and I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner offering online medication management to adults. I treat a full list of issues with specializations in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and PTSD.
My name is Caleb Davis and I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner offering online medication management to adults. I treat a full list of issues with specializations in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and PTSD.
(213) 698-8615 View (213) 698-8615
Photo of Jordan Blaine, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jordan Blaine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92116  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and OCD.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and OCD.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(619) 292-0163 View (619) 292-0163
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.