PTSD & Trauma Treatment in TX, NY, AZ, & VT — A Safe Space to Begin Healing

Normal trauma responses — shock, grief, disturbed sleep, difficulty concentrating in the weeks following a traumatic event — are expected and often resolve over time. PTSD is diagnosed when these symptoms persist for more than one month, occur across four specific symptom clusters (intrusion, avoidance, negative cognition/mood, and hyperarousal), and cause meaningful interference with daily functioning. A psychiatric evaluation is the clearest way to get an accurate answer.

Medication can significantly reduce specific PTSD symptoms — particularly hyperarousal, sleep disturbance, nightmares, depression, and anxiety. However, clinical guidelines from the VA/DoD and APA consistently recommend trauma-focused psychotherapy as the primary treatment for PTSD, with medication as a complementary approach. At Lifewise, we manage the medication side of care and actively coordinate referrals to licensed trauma therapists to ensure you receive both components of evidence-based treatment.

The FDA has approved two medications specifically for PTSD: sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil), both of which are SSRIs with the strongest evidence base for reducing PTSD symptoms. Venlafaxine, an SNRI, is also frequently used. For patients with prominent sleep disturbance or nightmares, prazosin has shown benefit. All medication decisions at Lifewise are made following a comprehensive evaluation and explained in full to the patient before any prescription is issued.

No. Your first appointment at Lifewise is a psychiatric evaluation — not a retelling of your trauma. We will ask about your symptoms, how they are affecting your life, and your goals for treatment. We do not require detailed disclosure of traumatic events to conduct an evaluation or develop a treatment plan. You share only what you are comfortable sharing, at the pace that feels right for you.

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) develops in response to prolonged, repeated trauma — particularly childhood abuse, domestic violence, or other sustained interpersonal trauma. In addition to PTSD’s core symptoms, C-PTSD is characterised by difficulties with emotional regulation, persistent shame or worthlessness, and challenges in relationships. C-PTSD is recognised by the ICD-11 and is treatable with the right combination of psychiatric support and specialised trauma therapy. Lifewise evaluates for complex trauma presentations and coordinates referrals to therapists experienced in this area.

Absolutely. While PTSD is commonly associated with military service, the majority of PTSD diagnoses are in civilians. PTSD can follow any overwhelming traumatic experience, including accidents, assault, abuse, medical emergencies, natural disasters, bereavement, and workplace trauma. Lifewise evaluates and treats PTSD across all trauma types and all patient backgrounds.

Yes. The VA and Department of Defense’s clinical practice guidelines for PTSD explicitly recognise telehealth as an appropriate delivery modality for psychiatric care. Research supports equivalent outcomes for telehealth versus in-person psychiatric treatment for PTSD. For many patients, telehealth is preferable — avoiding the travel, waiting rooms, and clinical environments that can activate trauma symptoms before an appointment even begins.

Please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) immediately or go to your nearest emergency room. Lifewise is a scheduled telehealth psychiatric service and is not equipped to provide emergency crisis intervention. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm in a non-emergency context and wish to discuss this with your provider, please raise it during your scheduled appointment — it is an important part of your care, and we will address it with seriousness and compassion.