PTSD treatment near me: Exploring 3 options

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person has gone through a trauma. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a natural human reaction to something truly frightening. Since the root cause is the trauma itself, the symptoms go far beyond simple anxiety. 

PTSD is far more common than many may realize. Up to 7% of U.S. adults will meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD at some point in their lives. For those who have served our country, these numbers are even higher. Due to the stress of combat and service, approximately 30% of Vietnam veterans, approximately 20% of Gulf War veterans, and an estimated 23% of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD.  

If you’re a veteran or a family member seeking help in the South, we want to spotlight our location in Hinesville, Georgia. This clinic is uniquely positioned to serve the community around the Army’s Fort Stewart, offering specialized, compassionate care for those who have served and their loved ones. 

PTSD treatment options that really work

The most important thing to know about PTSD is that it’s treatable. You don’t have to live with these symptoms forever. The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have worked hard to find treatments that are backed by strong evidence. Early intervention, getting help as soon as possible, is key to improving long-term outcomes. 

1. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is the foundation of PTSD recovery. The VA strongly supports several evidence-based therapies that help you process trauma in a safe, controlled way, including:

• Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)

CPT helps you change how you think about your trauma and yourself afterward. It challenges the harmful thoughts that keep you stuck, such as “I’m a bad person” or “The world is completely unsafe.”

• Prolonged exposure (PE)

PE is a proven method, where, with the guidance of a mental health professional, you slowly and safely confront the memories, feelings and situations you have been avoiding. This helps you realize that the trauma is a memory, not a present danger, allowing the fear to decrease.

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a therapy technique using guided side-to-side eye movements, or similar types of stimulation, while you focus on the traumatic memory. This process helps your brain reprocess the memory, reducing the strong emotional impact it holds. 

2. Medication management

Medication can be an important tool for managing the severe symptoms of PTSD, such as nightmares, insomnia and intense fear. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), are often the first choice. They help balance brain chemicals to reduce worry and improve mood. 

However, it’s essential to be careful with certain medications. For example, the VA and DOD generally recommend avoiding benzodiazepines and other strong sedatives. Why? Because while they may help calm you down temporarily, they can often lead to increased problems with intrusive symptoms, dissociation and dependency over time. The goal is long-term stability, not a quick fix that could cause more harm. 

3. Advanced and emerging treatments

For veterans whose symptoms haven’t fully responded to psychotherapy and medication, new options are showing promise, such as:

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

While TMS is not yet FDA approved for PTSD, it has been approved for PTSD treatment in Europe and Brazil. Research suggests that TMS may help reduce symptoms, especially for people with co-occurring depression, which is extremely common among those living with PTSD. 

• Spravato®

Spravato® is FDA approved for treatment-resistant depression and may be helpful for veterans who experience both depression and PTSD. It works differently from traditional antidepressants and is administered in a safe medical setting, offering fast-acting symptom relief for many people. It’s currently offered in our California locations.

The power of early and customized care

There is no single “right” treatment that works for everyone. What works well for one person may not work for another. The key is to find care that offers multiple options and can create a treatment plan that is customized just for you and your specific trauma history.

Seeking help is a sign of immense courage and strength. The goal of treatment is not to erase the trauma, but to help your brain file the memory away properly so it stops controlling your present life. 

Find support that understands your story with Psychiatry Treatment Centers

If PTSD is affecting your sleep, relationships, mood or sense of safety, reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Whether you’re experiencing intrusive thoughts, emotional numbness, anger, nightmares or ongoing fear, effective treatment is available, and you don’t have to navigate this alone. 

At Psychiatry Treatment Centers, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care that honors your experiences. Our services include TMS, Spravato®, psychotherapy and medication management. We also work closely with VA clinics to help veterans access the support they’re entitled to. 

With locations in California and Georgia, including our welcoming Hinesville, GA, clinic supporting Fort Stewart, we proudly serve people from all walks of life, especially our military service members, veterans and their families. 

Reach out to our team by phone today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment. You can also book your initial appointment online now.