Trauma and stress
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a treatable condition that follows trauma, marked by intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood and hyperarousal lasting more than a month. First-line treatments are trauma-focused therapies (prolonged exposure, cognitive processing therapy, EMDR) and SSRIs such as sertraline and paroxetine, with prazosin for nightmares. Most people improve meaningfully within three to four months of consistent treatment. - Dissociative Identity Disorder and Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative disorders, including dissociative identity disorder, depersonalization-derealization disorder and dissociative amnesia, involve disruptions in memory, identity and sense of reality, usually rooted in trauma. Treatment is phase-based, trauma-informed psychotherapy over months to years, with medication for co-occurring depression, anxiety, PTSD and sleep problems. No medication treats dissociation itself, but structured therapy produces meaningful, measurable improvement. - Acute Stress Disorder
Acute stress disorder is a severe stress reaction in the first month after trauma, with intrusive memories, dissociation, avoidance and hyperarousal. First-line treatment is brief trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, typically five to six sessions, which reduces the risk of developing PTSD. Medication is used sparingly for sleep and acute distress. Most people recover within weeks with early treatment.
You do not have to figure it out alone.
Tell us how to reach you and our scheduling team will help you explore appointment options. Most new patients are seen within one to two weeks, in person or by video. Medicare and most plans accepted; self-pay new-patient visits are $185.