PTSD and Trauma Treatment for Adults

Medically reviewed by [Name], MD, board-certified psychiatrist · Last reviewed October 2026

After a frightening or painful event, it is normal to feel shaken for a while. For some people, the fear, memories and stress do not fade. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can follow any traumatic experience, from an accident or assault to a disaster, sudden loss or military service.

Ally Psychiatry provides trauma-informed care at your pace. You decide what to share and when, and your treatment plan focuses on safety, sleep and getting back to daily life.

Ready to talk to someone? Call 1-833-269-2559 (1-833-B-MY-ALLY) or request an appointment online. Request an Appointment

Signs and symptoms of PTSD and trauma

PTSD symptoms usually fall into four groups and last more than a month after the event:

• Reliving the event: intrusive memories, flashbacks or nightmares
• Avoidance: staying away from places, people or thoughts that bring back the event
• Mood changes: guilt, shame, numbness, or losing interest in things you enjoyed
• Feeling on edge: being easily startled, irritable or always on guard, and trouble sleeping

Having some of these does not mean you have a diagnosis. A psychiatric evaluation is the best way to understand what is going on and what will help.

How we treat PTSD and trauma

PTSD is treatable, even years after the event. Your plan may include:

• Trauma-focused therapy. Approaches with strong evidence include cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure and EMDR.
• Medication management. Medications such as SSRIs can ease anxiety, depression and sleep problems linked to PTSD.
• Care for related conditions. Depression, anxiety and substance use often occur with PTSD, and we address them in the same plan.

Veterans and first responders

We welcome veterans, first responders and their families, and understand the stresses that come with service.

What to expect at your first visit

1. Call or request an appointment. Our team completes a short intake call to gather your history and insurance.
2. Meet your provider. Your first visit covers your symptoms, health history, current medications and goals. Plan for about 60 minutes.
3. Leave with a plan. You and your provider agree on next steps, which may include medication, therapy, lab work or further evaluation.
4. Follow up. Regular follow-ups track how you are doing and adjust treatment as needed.

Why patients choose Ally Psychiatry

• Appointments in days, not months. Our scheduling team moves new patients in quickly.
• In person or telehealth. Visit one of our clinics in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama or South Carolina, or meet by secure video.
• A full care team. Psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and therapists working from one plan.
• Most insurance accepted. We are in-network with most major plans.

Frequently asked questions

What can PTSD look like in everyday life?

After a traumatic experience, you may notice changes in your sleep, emotions, relationships, or sense of safety. For some people, these changes persist and may be signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Do any of these sound familiar?

• “A sound or smell suddenly takes me back.” An everyday reminder brings up intense memories, fear, or physical reactions.
• “Sometimes it feels like it’s happening again.” Memories become so vivid that you feel as though you’re reliving the experience.
• “I’m always watching for something to go wrong.” You scan your surroundings, watch exits, or struggle to relax even in familiar places.
• “Small surprises make me jump.” A slammed door or unexpected touch leaves you startled, tense, or shaken.
• “I avoid things that remind me of what happened.” You change routes, skip activities, or avoid conversations because they bring back distressing memories.
• “Sleep doesn’t feel restful.” Nightmares or feeling on guard make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
• “I feel distant from people I care about.” Connecting with loved ones or feeling positive emotions becomes harder.
• “My patience and concentration have changed.” You become irritated more easily or struggle to stay focused.
• “I keep blaming myself.” Thoughts about what you should have done differently bring persistent guilt or shame.

You deserve support with what you’re carrying.

Do these experiences mean I have PTSD?

These experiences alone do not establish a diagnosis. If they persist or interfere with your life, an evaluation can help you understand what’s happening. You can seek support at any point after trauma.

At Ally Psychiatry, we listen with compassion and work with you to explore treatment options at a pace that respects your comfort.

Let’s talk about how you’ve been feeling.

Do I have to have been in combat to have PTSD?

No. PTSD can follow any traumatic event, including an accident, assault, disaster, sudden loss or medical emergency. Many people with PTSD have never served in the military.

What treatments work for PTSD?

Trauma-focused therapies such as cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure and EMDR have the strongest evidence. Medication can help with sleep, anxiety and depression alongside therapy.

Will I have to talk about what happened at my first visit?

No. You share only what you are comfortable sharing. The first visit focuses on your safety, your current symptoms and what is affecting your daily life.

Do you treat veterans and first responders?

Yes. We welcome veterans, first responders and their families.

Do I need a referral to schedule?

No referral is needed to schedule. Some insurance plans require one for specialist visits, so check your plan or call 1-833-269-2559 and our team will help you find out.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. Ally Psychiatry is in-network with most major health insurance plans. Call 1-833-269-2559 to verify your coverage before your first visit.

How soon can I be seen?

Most new patients are scheduled within days, not months. Your first step is a short intake call where our team gathers your history and matches you with the right provider.

Can I be seen by telehealth?

Yes. Many follow-up visits can be done by secure video from home in Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee. Some visits must be in person, including initial appointments, annual visits, follow-ups after a hospital stay, and specialized treatments such as Spravato and TMS.

Related conditions we treat

• Anxiety
• Depression
• OCD

Take the first step. Call 1-833-269-2559 (1-833-B-MY-ALLY) to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment. Most new patients are seen within a day. Request an Appointment

In crisis? If you are thinking about harming yourself or are in immediate danger, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. Ally Psychiatry is not an emergency service.

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