PTSD Treatment & Trauma Therapy

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Common symptoms include intrusive memories or flashbacks of the trauma, nightmares, emotional numbness, avoidance of reminders, intense shame or guilt, difficulty trusting others, and feeling constantly on edge. PTSD can develop after any trauma, including accidents, abuse, assault, medical emergencies, or childhood experiences. A formal diagnosis requires a clinical evaluation, and our intake team can help determine whether PTSD treatment is the right fit for you.

Research studies in both CPT and PE have shown that both treatments are highly effective at treating PTSD no matter the type of trauma that led to its development. This includes research on survivors of repeated childhood physical or sexual abuse, complex trauma, sexual assault, combat, physical assault, neglect, bullying, natural disasters, witnessing a traumatic event, car accidents, etc. The symptoms of PTSD are effectively treated by CPT and PE because these are gold standard therapies that are proven to be effective regardless of the type of trauma causing the PTSD. We also know that time since the trauma does not impact treatment results. Meaning, your trauma could be six months ago, 6 years ago, or 6 decades ago - CPT and PE have been shown to be effective despite when the trauma occurred. 

Both Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) are gold-standard, evidence-based treatments for PTSD, but they work differently. PE focuses on gradually revisiting trauma memories and situations you've been avoiding, helping your nervous system learn that the memories are not dangerous. CPT focuses more on identifying and challenging the unhelpful beliefs that developed as a result of the trauma — thoughts about safety, trust, control, and self-worth. Your CABT therapist will help you determine which approach is the best fit based on your symptoms, history, and goals.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) is one of the most thoroughly studied and researched treatments for PTSD and is designated as a gold standard treatment for PTSD across multiple clinical practice guidelines. After dozens of research studies across all types of people, across cultures, and any type of trauma, PE has been determined to be a very safe and effective treatment. Even for people struggling with symptoms of dissociation, increased urges to use substances, and urges to self harm, PE remains an effective treatment option. The staff at CABT are experts in PE and how to deliver PE in order to maximize recovery and limit the common challenges of treating PTSD, including these complications. 

It is not unusual for people to have intense emotions in the presence of trauma reminders and traumatic memories. The staff at CABT are trained to help patients regulate and manage strong emotions so they can learn skills to be in the presence of their feelings in order to do the trauma work required for healing. Also, as treatment progresses, the intensity of the emotions a person experiences in the presence of trauma reminders often subsides as healing and recovery occurs. One indicator of recovery from PTSD is feeling less intense emotions in the presence of trauma reminders. It is our goal to help you learn the skills you might need to be safe in the presence of a trauma reminder and the strong emotions that can elicit.

The most effective treatments for PTSD are specific talk therapies, including PE and CPT. Medication for PTSD is considered a “second-line” option, and the FDA has approved four medications that are identified as effective medications for PTSD. These include fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. Other medications may be effective for managing specific symptoms, and you should consult with a specialist provider (like a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner) to get more information about the medications that may be right for you. PE and CPT do not require medication in order to be effective in treating PTSD. 

The short answer is YES. Research studies that have compared CPT and PE being delivered in person versus over telehealth have shown no difference in treatment outcomes. Understanding your preference for in person versus virtual is an important decision to be made with your provider since both options are highly effective.

Yes, we offer in-person PTSD therapy appointments at our office in Bryn Mawr, PA for patients in the greater Philadelphia area and Main Line. We also offer secure telehealth virtual sessions for patients located throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland — as well as 40+ additional states through PSYPACT. See all PSYPACT eligible states. Research comparing in-person and telehealth delivery of PE and CPT shows no difference in outcomes, both are equally effective.

Most of the treatments delivered at CABT are designed to be short-term, but the exact number of sessions depends on two main factors: the exact treatment protocol being used and how frequently clients complete the prescribed homework exercises. The scientifically-supported treatments we offer range typically range from as few as 8 sessions to as many as 35 sessions. You will be given more specific information about which treatment we recommend after you complete the initial evaluation. 

We do not accept insurance, but instead offer a range of fees to help make our services more accessible; please reach out for our most up-to-date rates. If your health insurance has out-of-network benefits, we can provide Superbills for you to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. We strongly encourage you to contact your insurance company directly to confirm your benefits, and how to access them.

The first step is a free 15-minute intake call with a member of our team. You can get started by calling (610) 455-5757, emailing newpatient@centerabt.com, or completing our contact form.