Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

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What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event or events. For some, the effects are temporary, but for many, the symptoms persist and disrupt daily life long after the trauma is over. At Salma Health, we provide specialized care that blends advanced diagnostics, evidence-based therapies and long-term support to help patients regain a sense of safety, stability and control. Many people associate trauma with short-term shock or fear, but the lasting impact can look very different. What might fade for some can linger for others, resurfacing in daily life in ways that feel overwhelming or disruptive. Understanding this difference is key to recognizing when professional support may be needed.

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Common symptoms

Intrusive memories or flashbacks
Nightmares or disturbed sleep
Intense emotional or physical reactions to reminders
Avoidance of people, places, or activities
Heightened startle response or hypervigilance
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability, anger, or emotional numbness

Our diagnosis process

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is diagnosed through a comprehensive clinical evaluation that assesses exposure to trauma, the duration and severity of symptoms, and their impact on daily functioning, often supported by structured interviews and standardized screening tools.

Our process includes

‍Clinical assessment
‍A detailed discussion of symptoms, and how they affect your daily functioning.
‍Symptom history
‍Review of the duration, severity, and triggers of re-experiencing, avoidance, and arousal symptoms.
‍Medical review
‍Screening for medical or neurological issues that may contribute to or worsen PTSD symptoms.
‍Advanced diagnostics (if indicated)
‍Neuroimaging or laboratory testing to rule out other contributing factors or conditions.
‍Co-occurring disorders
‍Evaluation for depression, anxiety, or traumatic brain injury (TBI), which commonly overlap with PTSD.

Treatment

We combine compassionate care with advanced interventions to help people find lasting relief.

1. Advanced diagnostics
We use targeted imaging and laboratory testing to uncover contributing neurological or medical factors.

2. Medication management
We understand that personalized prescriptions may help regulate mood, improve sleep, or reduce your anxiety symptoms. We may make adjustments to your medications based on effectiveness and side effects.

3. Individual psychotherapy
Trauma-focused therapies, such as cognitive and exposure-based treatment approaches, help patients to process memories, reduce avoidance and develop coping skills

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Why choose Salma Health?

Specialists trained in trauma and neuropsychiatric care
Access to advanced diagnostics, innovative treatments, and clinical trials evaluating novel therapies
Care plans personalized to your history and evolving needs
Long-term partnership that adapts as you heal

Our approach to brain health care

We meet patients where they are to provide advanced diagnostics and treatment. Every patient is welcomed into an atmosphere of trust, comfort and support. Our team efficiently and collaboratively manages evaluation, treatment and follow-up care.

We work with most major insurance providers to make care accessible. Not sure about your coverage? Our team can help verify your benefits and answer your questions.

We work with most major insurance companies.

Frequently asked questions

How is PTSD different from acute stress?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is different from acute stress because symptoms last longer than a month and significantly disrupt daily life. While acute stress reactions—such as anxiety, nightmares, or hypervigilance—may improve on their own, PTSD involves persistent distress that often requires professional treatment.

Do all traumatic experiences lead to PTSD?

Not all traumatic experiences result in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Many people recover naturally or with short-term support, but others develop long-lasting symptoms such as flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, or emotional numbness. When trauma continues to interfere with relationships, work, or health, professional care for PTSD may be necessary

Is medication always required to treat PTSD?

Medication is not always required to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Many individuals find relief through psychotherapy alone, especially evidence-based approaches like prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy. For more severe or persistent symptoms, medications or advanced treatments can be added to create a comprehensive care plan

Can PTSD improve with outpatient care?

PTSD can often be effectively treated in an outpatient setting. Options like individual therapy, group counseling, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), or intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) provide structured support without hospitalization. Many people experience meaningful symptom reduction and improved quality of life through these programs.

What will my first visit to Salma Health for PTSD be like?

Your first visit will be focused on creating a safe space to share your experiences. We’ll talk about your current symptoms, history and how they affect your daily life. You’ll receive a comprehensive psychiatric and neurological evaluation, and if needed, we may order imaging or lab tests to rule out other contributing factors. Before you leave, we will outline a personalized plan that may include therapy, medication, or advanced treatments. These will be paced to your comfort level and designed for long-term support.

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Will you coordinate care with my other doctors and therapists?

Yes, with your permission, we will collaborate with your primary care physician, therapist, or other specialists to ensure seamless, integrated treatment.

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