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PTSD Treatment in Florida

Psychiatric evaluation and medication management for post-traumatic stress disorder in adults throughout Florida.

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Understanding PTSD
Trauma Changes the Brain — Treatment Can Help

PTSD develops after exposure to traumatic events — combat, assault, accidents, childhood abuse, medical trauma, witnessing violence. Symptoms include intrusive memories and flashbacks that feel like they're happening now, avoidance of anything that might trigger them, a persistent sense that the world isn't safe, and a nervous system that won't stand down — hypervigilant, easily startled, unable to sleep.

PTSD is not a sign of weakness or a failure to cope. It is a neurobiological response to overwhelming experience — your nervous system doing exactly what it was designed to do, stuck in a mode that's no longer serving you.

Our providers have experience with trauma populations including veterans, first responders, survivors of abuse, and patients with complex trauma histories. You don't have to explain yourself or justify what happened to you. You just have to show up.

Who This Is For
Patients Who Come to Us for PTSD

People reach us at different points. These are some of the most common.

Veterans
Combat-related or service-connected PTSD. We see veterans who want care outside of or alongside the VA system, or who need faster access than VA appointments allow.
First Responders
Law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatchers, ER staff — cumulative exposure to trauma is part of the job. We understand the population and the specific pressures around seeking psychiatric care.
Survivors of Assault or Abuse
Sexual assault, domestic violence, childhood abuse. You don't have to explain yourself or justify what happened. We meet you where you are and work at your pace.
Single-Event Trauma
Accidents, natural disasters, medical trauma, witnessing violence. A single overwhelming event can produce lasting PTSD symptoms that respond to treatment.
Complex / Long-Standing Trauma
Trauma that occurred over years — childhood abuse, prolonged unsafe situations, repeated medical interventions. Treatment is still effective decades later.
In Therapy, Need a Prescriber
You're already in trauma-focused therapy and your therapist has recommended medication management. We coordinate directly with your therapist for integrated care.
Recognizing the Signs
Common Signs of PTSD

If several of these sound familiar, a psychiatric evaluation may help clarify what's going on.

✓ Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the traumatic event
✓ Intense distress when exposed to reminders of the trauma
✓ Avoiding thoughts, feelings, people, or places associated with the trauma
✓ Negative beliefs about yourself or the world that developed after the trauma
✓ Feeling emotionally numb, detached, or unable to experience positive emotions
✓ Persistent negative emotions — guilt, shame, anger, horror
✓ Hypervigilance — constantly scanning for threats
✓ Exaggerated startle response
✓ Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
✓ Irritability or angry outbursts that feel disproportionate
Treatment
Medication and Trauma-Focused Therapy
Trauma-Informed Evaluation
Your evaluation is conducted with care and respect for the difficulty of discussing trauma. We assess PTSD symptoms, functional impact, and co-occurring conditions.
FDA-Approved Medication
Sertraline and paroxetine are FDA-approved for PTSD. Prazosin is used off-label for trauma-related nightmares. Selection is individualized.
Therapy Coordination
Trauma-focused therapies (Prolonged Exposure, CPT, EMDR) produce strong outcomes for PTSD. We coordinate with trauma-specialized therapists.
Ongoing Support
PTSD treatment is a process. We monitor response, adjust as needed, and maintain access through the patient portal between appointments.
Common Questions
PTSD Treatment FAQ
Trauma-focused therapy (CPT, PE, EMDR) has the strongest evidence base for PTSD. Medication can reduce hyperarousal, intrusive symptoms, and depression that often co-occur, making therapy more accessible and effective. We coordinate medication management with your therapist when you have one.
Sertraline and paroxetine are FDA-approved for PTSD. SSRIs, SNRIs, and prazosin (used off-label for trauma-related nightmares) are commonly used. Treatment selection depends on your specific symptom pattern and history.
Yes. PTSD can develop or persist long after the original event. Treatment can be effective even many years after the original event.
That history matters. We review what was tried, at what doses, for how long, and the response — and use that information to guide what comes next. There are multiple medication options and augmentation strategies.
We evaluate and treat adults only. If you're seeking PTSD evaluation for a child or adolescent, we recommend a Florida provider who specializes in pediatric or adolescent psychiatry.
Yes. You must be physically located in Florida at the time of your telehealth appointment. This is a regulatory requirement for psychiatric prescribing.
Yes. With your written consent, we communicate with your PCP, therapist, or any other provider involved in your care — especially important for PTSD where coordinated trauma-focused therapy and medication management produce the best outcomes.
Follow-up frequency depends on your treatment plan. During initial treatment and dose adjustments, monthly visits are typical. Once stable, visits may be less frequent.
A psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) or psychiatrist can evaluate and treat PTSD. At Florida Behavioral Health Associates, our board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners offer comprehensive adult PTSD evaluation and medication management via telehealth throughout Florida.
A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse with specialized graduate education in psychiatric evaluation and medication management. In Florida, PMHNPs are licensed advanced practice registered nurses who evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe psychiatric medications in accordance with Florida law. For outpatient PTSD treatment, a board-certified PMHNP is fully qualified to evaluate, diagnose, and treat.
Related
PTSD Medication Guide PTSD vs. Anxiety Anxiety Therapy Medication Management
Available Throughout Florida
Telehealth via secure HIPAA-compliant video. You must be physically located in Florida at the time of your appointment.
Now Accepting New Patients
Book online and choose from current openings. No referral required.
Self-Pay Pricing
Self-pay practice — we don’t accept or bill insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. Initial evaluation $300, follow-up $150. HSA/FSA welcome; superbill on request.

Ready to Get Started?

Now accepting new patients. No referral required. Serving adults throughout Florida.

Self-pay practice — we don’t accept or bill insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. $300 intake · $150 follow-up · HSA/FSA welcome.

Book Appointment → Call (941) 348-6927