Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) services offered in Encino, Pasadena and Oakland, CA

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Traumatic experiences can have lasting effects on emotional well-being, relationships, sleep, concentration, and daily functioning. While many people recover naturally after difficult experiences, others continue to experience symptoms long after the event has passed.

At Adelpha Psychiatric Group, our physicians provide thoughtful, trauma-informed care for individuals experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and related concerns. We take time to understand each person’s experiences, symptoms, treatment history, and goals before making recommendations.

Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication management, or a combination of approaches depending on individual needs.

A soldier sitting with his hands in his lap, staring at the ground after realizing he needs PTSD treatment in California
Woman sitting alone with her knees pulled to her chest, appearing withdrawn or emotionally overwhelmed.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

Trauma affects people differently, and not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. For those who do, symptoms may continue long after the event has ended and may interfere with daily life, relationships, work, school, or overall well-being.

PTSD can develop following experiences such as:

  • Physical or sexual assault
  • Military combat
  • Serious accidents
  • Natural disasters
  • Medical trauma
  • Childhood trauma
  • Sudden loss of a loved one
  • Exposure to violence
  • Other traumatic experiences
Symptoms may begin shortly after an event or emerge weeks, months, or even years later.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What are common symptoms of PTSD?

PTSD symptoms vary from person to person but often fall into several categories.

Intrusive Symptoms

  • Distressing memories
  • Flashbacks
  • Nightmares
  • Intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event

Avoidance

  • Avoiding places, people, conversations, or situations associated with the trauma
  • Avoiding thoughts or memories related to the event

Changes in Mood and Thinking

  • Persistent guilt or shame
  • Negative beliefs about oneself or the world
  • Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
  • Feelings of detachment from others
  • Difficulty concentrating

Increased Arousal and Reactivity

  • Hypervigilance
  • Being easily startled
  • Irritability
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Feeling constantly on edge
Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary significantly.
Military service member in uniform speaking with a therapist during a private counseling session.
Distressed woman holding her head in her hand and looking downward, appearing overwhelmed by stress or emotional exhaustion.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

When should I seek help?

It may be helpful to seek support if trauma-related symptoms are affecting:
  • Relationships
  • Work or school performance
  • Sleep
  • Emotional well-being
  • Daily functioning
  • Quality of life
Many individuals delay seeking treatment because they believe they should be able to manage symptoms on their own. PTSD is a recognized mental health condition, and effective treatment options are available.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Can PTSD occur alongside other mental health conditions?

Yes.

PTSD commonly occurs alongside:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Panic disorder
  • Substance use concerns
  • Sleep difficulties
  • OCD
  • Other trauma-related conditions

A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation helps identify all contributing factors and guides treatment recommendations.

Distressed military service member sitting on the floor with her hands over her ears, appearing overwhelmed by stress or emotional distress.

treatments

How is PTSD treated?

Treatment is individualized and based on each person’s symptoms, history, and goals.

Treatment recommendations may include:

Psychotherapy

Therapy is often a central component of PTSD treatment. Evidence-based approaches such as Prolonged Exposure Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy can help individuals better understand trauma responses, process experiences, reduce symptoms, and develop coping skills.

Medication Management

Medication may be recommended when clinically appropriate to help manage symptoms such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, or intrusive thoughts.

Comprehensive Care

Because trauma can affect many areas of life, treatment often involves understanding the broader picture rather than focusing on symptoms alone. Relationships, physical health, sleep, stress, and life circumstances may all be important parts of the treatment process.

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Can PTSD improve with treatment?

Yes.

Many individuals experience meaningful improvement with appropriate treatment and support. Recovery does not mean forgetting what happened. Rather, it means developing the ability to move forward without trauma continuing to dominate daily life.

The goal is to help patients feel safer, more connected, more resilient, and better able to engage in the parts of life that matter most.

Call Adelpha Psychiatric Group today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment online.

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You Do Not Need a Diagnosis to Reach Out

Many patients come to Adelpha without knowing exactly what condition they may be experiencing.

Symptoms often overlap. Anxiety can look like ADHD. Depression can occur alongside trauma. Mood changes may have many possible causes.

The purpose of the consultation process is not simply to assign a label. It is to understand the full picture and help determine what type of support may be most appropriate.

Whether you have an existing diagnosis, are seeking a second opinion, or are simply looking for answers, our team can help guide the next step.

Insurance support is part of making care accessible

Insurance and Courtesy Billing

We know cost and insurance questions can be stressful. Our team will help make the financial side of care as clear as possible and help you understand what information is needed before treatment begins.

The first step is a consultation process.

What to Expect when you Reach Out

Thoughtful care starts with a thorough evaluation.

At Adelpha, getting started does not mean rushing into treatment without context. The first few visits start with an initial consultation period. This process includes at least two visits for adults and three visits for children and adolescents within the first month. This gives your physician or marriage and family therapist time to understand your history, current concerns, goals, previous treatment, and what kind of care may be helpful.

When appropriate, your physician or marriage and family therapist may ask to coordinate with your prior or current mental health providers, your primary care physician, or family members involved in your care. At the end of the consultation phase, we will share our impressions and recommendations. We will work with you to determine whether ongoing care with Adelpha is clinically appropriate and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

01

Reach out

Use the contact form, chat, or call.

02

Tell us what you are looking for

You do not need to know the right diagnosis or service before contacting us.

03

Review fit and next steps

Our team will help clarify the intake process, insurance, and scheduling

04

Begin consultation when appropriate

Your first visits help your physician or marriage and family therapist understand the full picture before making recommendations.

If you are unsure where to begin, reaching out is a reasonable first step.

Adelpha provides thoughtful, comprehensive psychiatric care for patients and families who want clear guidance, qualified support, and care that sees the whole person.

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