By We Level Up | Author Inês Oliveira, MSc, PhD Candidate | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

Trauma can change how a person thinks, feels, and acts. Some people recover after a hard event. Others develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can happen after military combat, abuse, violence, accidents, natural disasters, or other frightening events. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), many adults in the United States live with PTSD each year.

Many people ask if emotional or verbal abuse can cause PTSD. The answer is yes. PTSD can develop after long-term emotional abuse, childhood trauma, domestic violence, or other painful experiences. Treatment can help people understand their symptoms, learn healthy coping skills, and improve their daily lives.

We Level Up is a national substance abuse and mental health facility with accredited treatment centers in Florida, Texas, California, Washington, and New Jersey. Our licensed doctors, psychologists, therapists, nurses, and other mental health professionals help adults with PTSD, other mental health problems, and substance use disorders. Care is based on each person’s needs and recovery goals.

At We Level Up, PTSD treatment may include therapy, medication support, and care for other mental health or substance use problems. Every treatment plan is made to fit the person’s needs and may change as recovery continues. The goal is to help people manage PTSD symptoms and build a healthier future.

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can happen after a person experiences or sees a traumatic event. Trauma may include abuse, violence, serious injury, accidents, disasters, or the fear of death. Not everyone who goes through trauma develops PTSD. A trained mental health professional must complete a full evaluation to diagnose PTSD.

PTSD can affect how the brain responds to stress. A person may continue to feel fear even after the danger has ended. Certain memories, sounds, places, or people may bring back strong emotional or physical reactions. PTSD may happen by itself or with other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders. Treating all conditions together can help improve recovery.

PTSD and Related Mental Health Disorders

PTSD often happens with other mental health conditions. These conditions can make symptoms harder to manage and may affect daily life.

Depression is common in people with PTSD. Some people may feel sad, lose interest in activities, or have low energy. Anxiety disorders can also happen with PTSD and may cause constant worry, fear, or panic.

When PTSD happens with addiction, depression, or anxiety, treatment should address each condition together. A complete treatment plan can help people manage symptoms and build healthier ways to cope.

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Common Types of PTSD

PTSD can affect people in different ways. Some people notice symptoms soon after trauma, while others may not notice symptoms until months or years later.

Common types of PTSD include:

• Acute PTSD: Symptoms begin after a traumatic event and last for a shorter period of time.
• Chronic PTSD: Symptoms continue for a long time and may affect daily life, relationships, and work.
• Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): This may happen after repeated or long-term trauma, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or emotional abuse.
• Delayed-Onset PTSD: Symptoms appear months or years after the traumatic event.
• PTSD With Dissociative Symptoms: A person may feel disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, or surroundings during stressful moments.

Common Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms can be different for each person. Some people have symptoms every day, while others experience symptoms during stressful situations.

Common symptoms include:

• Unwanted memories of trauma
• Nightmares or sleep problems
• Flashbacks
• Avoiding trauma reminders
• Feeling afraid or always alert
• Mood changes or anger
• Trouble focusing
• Feelings of guilt or shame
• Pulling away from others
• Physical reactions such as sweating or a fast heartbeat

Some people also experience PTSD attack symptoms. These may include panic attacks, shaking, crying, trouble breathing, or feeling out of control.

How PTSD Is Diagnosed

Many people ask how to get a PTSD diagnosis. PTSD cannot be found with a blood test or scan. A mental health professional must check a person’s thoughts, feelings, symptoms, and past trauma.

During the check, the provider asks about the trauma, health history, and daily life. They also look for other problems that may happen with PTSD, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use.

Mental health providers use the DSM-5 to help diagnose PTSD. A clear diagnosis helps the care team make a treatment plan that fits the person’s needs.

We Level Up Treatment Centers provides nationwide medical detox, addiction treatment, dual diagnosis, and mental health services through multiple accredited treatment centers across the United States, including Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Allenwood, Blackwood, Lawrenceville, Fairfield, Seattle, and Spokane Valley. Individuals who need ongoing support can continue their recovery through our Therapy Programs, helping them build healthy coping skills and maintain long-term wellness. 

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Evidence-Based Treatment for PTSD

PTSD can get better with the right care. Treatment helps people understand trauma, manage symptoms, and learn ways to cope.

Each person has different needs. A treatment plan is made to help with the person’s symptoms, goals, and recovery.

Talk Therapy and Coping Strategies

Talk therapy is a main part of PTSD treatment. It helps people understand their feelings, thoughts, and reactions after trauma.

Therapy can teach skills to handle fear, stress, and hard emotions.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps people notice harmful thoughts and learn healthier ways to think and act.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT helps people manage strong feelings, handle stress, and build better relationships.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR helps some people work through painful trauma memories in a safe way.
• Group Therapy and Peer Support: Group therapy helps people share their stories, learn from others, and feel supported during recovery.

Medication Support

Some people may need medicine as part of PTSD treatment. Medicine may help with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or nightmares. A healthcare provider decides if medicine is helpful. The care team checks how the person is doing and changes the plan when needed.

Integrated Mental Health Care

PTSD can happen with other problems, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Treating only one problem may make recovery harder because other symptoms may still affect daily life. 

We Level Up’s Approach to PTSD Treatment

PTSD treatment at We Level Up starts with a full mental health check. Our team learns about each person’s symptoms, trauma history, health needs, and recovery goals. This helps us create a care plan made for each person.

Treatment may include:

• Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions to help people understand trauma, manage PTSD symptoms, and build healthy coping skills.
• EMDR Therapy: A therapy that helps people process painful memories and reduce emotional distress.
• Group Therapy: Group sessions where people learn coping skills, share experiences, and support one another. 
• Medication Support: Medicine may be used when needed to help manage PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, or sleep problems.
• Relapse Prevention and Aftercare Planning: Ongoing support and a recovery plan to help people manage stress, prevent relapse, and continue healing after treatment. 

Treatment may change as a person’s needs change. The goal is to help people heal from trauma, manage PTSD symptoms, build healthy coping skills, and improve daily life.

What Our PTSD Treatment Program Offers

Our PTSD treatment program gives care based on each person’s needs. Every person has a different trauma story, so each plan is made to support their health and recovery.

Our program offers:

• Mental health assessments
• Personal treatment plans
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy and peer support
• Family therapy
• Medication management when needed
• Relapse prevention planning
• Aftercare planning and support

Our goal is to help people heal from trauma, manage PTSD symptoms, and build skills for recovery.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recognizes that trauma can have lasting effects on mental and physical health, making early treatment and support important. 

Levels of Care for PTSD Treatment

The right level of PTSD care can be different for each person. Some people may need more care and support, while others may be able to live at home while getting help. A mental health provider can look at a person’s symptoms, safety, and daily needs to help find the right type of care. Inpatient PTSD treatment gives care day and night. People stay at the treatment center while they get help. Care may include therapy, medicine support, group therapy, and daily activities that help people feel safe and learn healthy ways to cope. A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) gives care during the day, while people go home at night. PHP offers more support than regular outpatient care and can help people build healthy coping skills.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) gives care several days each week. People live at home and go to therapy and other treatment sessions. This can help people get support while staying close to work, school, or family. Outpatient PTSD treatment also lets people live at home while going to a treatment center for planned visits. Care may include one-on-one therapy, group therapy, family counseling, and medication support when needed. Telehealth PTSD treatment lets people get care from home through safe video visits. It may include therapy, counseling, medicine follow-up, and other support. A provider can help decide if telehealth is a good fit.

A person’s needs may change over time, so the level of care may change too. Some people may start with more support and move to a lower level of care as they feel better. Others may need more support if their symptoms become hard to manage. If you have questions about PTSD treatment or need help finding the right level of care, call (844) 597-1011. Our admissions team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you find the right next step.

What to Expect During PTSD Treatment

PTSD treatment helps people feel better after something scary or painful happens. It gives people a safe place to talk, learn, and get help. During treatment, people learn why they feel scared, upset, or worried and learn new ways to handle these feelings.

Every person with PTSD is different. Some people may have bad memories, fear, sadness, or trouble with daily life. The care team talks with each person to learn what help they need and how to best support them.

During PTSD treatment, people may take part in:

• Individual Therapy Sessions: People talk with a therapist one-on-one. They can share their feelings, fears, and past experiences. The therapist helps them understand PTSD and learn ways to feel calmer and safer.
• Group Therapy and Peer Support: People meet with others who have faced hard times too. They can share their stories, listen to others, and learn that they are not alone.
• CBT, DBT, or EMDR Therapy: These therapies help people deal with hard thoughts and feelings. They help people learn new ways to handle fear, stress, and painful memories.
• Stress Help and Grounding Exercises: People learn simple ways to calm their mind and body. These skills can help when they feel scared, upset, or remember something painful.
• Medicine Help: Some people may take medicine to help with sleep, worry, or sadness. A doctor checks the medicine and makes sure it is helping.
• Family Therapy When Needed: Family therapy helps loved ones understand PTSD. It teaches families how they can listen, help, and be there during the healing process.

PTSD treatment is not only about therapy visits. People use what they learn every day to handle problems, build better habits, and feel more in control. With the right help, many people with PTSD can heal and create a better future.

Co-Occurring Disorders Associated With PTSD and Addiction

PTSD can happen with other mental health problems and substance use disorders. Some people may use alcohol or drugs to deal with fear, stress, bad memories, or painful feelings. While substances may seem to help for a short time, they can make PTSD and other problems worse over time.

When PTSD and addiction happen together, both need to be treated. Helping with only one problem may not fully help the person heal. A treatment plan that works on both PTSD and addiction can help people learn better ways to cope and build a healthier life.

Common conditions that may happen with PTSD include:

• PTSD: Some people may use alcohol or drugs to deal with nightmares, scary memories, fear, or stress after trauma.
• Depression: Some people may use substances to escape feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness.
• Anxiety Disorders: Some people may use alcohol or drugs to calm worry, panic, or fear. Over time, substance use can make anxiety harder to manage.
• Bipolar Disorder: Changes in mood, energy, and behavior may make it harder for some people to avoid substance use.
• Childhood Trauma: Painful experiences during childhood can increase the chance of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction later in life.
• Emotional or Verbal Abuse: Long-term emotional harm or hurtful words from others can lead to PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use problems.

Treating PTSD and addiction together helps people learn healthy ways to handle stress and emotions. With the right care, people can improve their mental health, strengthen relationships, and work toward long-term healing.

Treatment Options and Care Pathways

PTSD treatment is different for every person. Some people may need more care at the start, while others may need less support. The right type of treatment depends on each person’s needs, safety, health, and goals.

Some people begin treatment with a higher level of care, such as inpatient treatment. Others may start with outpatient care where they can continue living at home while getting help.

As people improve, they may move to a different level of care. This allows them to keep getting help while slowly returning to daily activities.

Long-term healing also includes support after treatment. Therapy, support groups, and recovery programs can help people continue using the skills they learned. Staying connected can help people handle challenges and continue making healthy choices.

Insurance and Accessibility

We Level Up works with many insurance providers to help people get PTSD treatment. Our admissions team can answer questions, explain treatment choices, and help check insurance benefits before treatment begins.

If you are unsure about your coverage, our team can help explain your options. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help guide you through the process and answer questions about starting care.

Take the Next Step Toward PTSD Treatment

Living with PTSD can feel difficult, but help is available. With the right treatment, people can learn how to handle symptoms, work through painful experiences, and create a healthier future.

At We Level Up Treatment Centers, our team provides care for adults with PTSD and other mental health or substance use concerns. We create treatment plans based on each person’s needs and goals.

Contact our admissions team to learn more about PTSD treatment, check insurance coverage, or ask questions about care. Support is available, and healing can start with the first step.

Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD Treatment

Getting Into Treatment Is Easy

1. Call Us Anytime
Speak with our admissions team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We answer questions and explain treatment options.

2. Complete an Initial Assessment
Our team learns about your symptoms, needs, and goals to help find the right level of care.

3. Review Insurance and Payment Options
We check insurance benefits and explain payment options before treatment starts.

4. Begin Your Recovery
Start a PTSD treatment program with care that helps you heal, build skills, and move toward a healthier future.

Facilities Offering PTSD Treatment

Deerfield Beach, Florida

We Level Up Treatment Centers provides PTSD treatment and mental health care for adults who need help with trauma, addiction, and other challenges. Our program includes therapy, medical care, and support to help people build healthier ways to cope.

Programs may include:

• PTSD treatment
• Medical detox
• Residential treatment
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
• Outpatient services
• Dual diagnosis treatment

Lake Worth, Florida

We Level Up Lake Worth provides care for adults facing PTSD and other mental health concerns. Our team uses therapy and other treatment methods to help people understand their feelings, handle stress, and work toward healing.

Programs may include trauma care, PTSD treatment, therapy, and other mental health services.

Tamarac, Florida

We Level Up Tamarac provides mental health and addiction treatment for adults. The program helps people work through PTSD symptoms, emotional struggles, and substance use concerns.

Care may include therapy, medication support when needed, and recovery services that help people build healthier daily routines.

New Jersey

We Level Up New Jersey provides PTSD care and mental health treatment for adults. The program helps people who are dealing with trauma, addiction, and other mental health concerns.

Services may include inpatient and outpatient care, PTSD treatment, and dual diagnosis treatment for people facing both mental health and substance use challenges.

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Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently co-occur, with many individuals simultaneously experiencing symptoms of both conditions. The distressing and traumatic experiences associated with PTSD can significantly contribute to developing or exacerbating depressive symptoms. Treating both conditions concurrently is essential for comprehensive mental health care and improved overall well-being.