Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
If you’ve lived through a traumatic experience and find that the fear, pain, or tension still lingers—sometimes showing up in your body, dreams, or day-to-day interactions—you’re not alone. Trauma changes how our minds and nervous systems function. It can leave you feeling stuck in survival mode, even when the danger has passed. You might avoid certain people or places, have trouble sleeping, experience flashbacks, or feel constantly on edge without knowing why. This is more than just a response to stress. It could be Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)—a real and valid condition affecting millions of people.
Roughly 1 in 13 adults in the U.S. will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. And it doesn’t only happen to people who’ve experienced combat or disaster. PTSD can result from abuse, assault, car accidents, medical trauma, loss, neglect, or any experience where you felt unsafe, helpless, or overwhelmed. If you’re living with the invisible weight of trauma, know this: it’s not your fault, and healing is possible. At Headlight, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. While it’s normal to feel shaken after trauma, PTSD involves symptoms that persist long after the event has passed and interfere with daily life.
You might feel like your body is always on high alert, or that your emotions are unpredictable. You might find yourself emotionally numb or detached from others. PTSD can also affect how you see yourself and the world—creating a lasting sense of fear, mistrust, or guilt.
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Common Symptoms of PTSD:
- Intrusive thoughts or memories – Flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted reminders that feel vivid and distressing
- Avoidance behaviors – Steering clear of places, people, or conversations related to the trauma
- Mood changes – Feeling numb, detached, hopeless, or persistently negative
- Hyperarousal – Being easily startled, feeling tense or irritable, or having trouble sleeping or concentrating
These symptoms can appear shortly after a traumatic event—or sometimes, they emerge months or even years later. Everyone’s trauma story is different, and so is their healing process.
How We Treat PTSD at Headlight
At Headlight, we offer trauma-informed care that honors your story and empowers your healing. Our team of licensed therapists and psychiatric providers work with you to build a personalized treatment plan—one that helps you feel safe, grounded, and in control again.
Here are the treatment options we offer for PTSD:
- Therapy
Therapy is often a core part of PTSD treatment. Our clinicians are trained in evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)—all designed to help you process trauma, reduce distressing symptoms, and regain a sense of peace. We’ll meet you with compassion, without rushing your process. - Medication Management
For some individuals, medication can help ease the emotional and physical symptoms of PTSD—such as anxiety, depression, irritability, or sleep disruption. Our psychiatric providers will work with you to explore whether medication might be supportive, and to find the best fit for your needs and preferences. - Spravato® (esketamine)
If you’re living with PTSD that hasn’t improved with traditional treatments, Spravato may offer a new path forward. This FDA-approved medication is delivered in a safe, clinical setting and has shown promise in helping individuals with treatment-resistant conditions find relief and re-engagement with life.
A lot of our clients find success with a multifaceted approach—combining therapy, medication, or treatments like Spravato®—to support their mental health goals. Talk with your provider to figure out what plan is best for you. We’re here to collaborate and support you every step of the way.
Our Care
Customized Expert Care
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder manifests uniquely in different individuals—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why our providers work with you to create a tailored treatment plan.
Personalized Prescriptions
When medication is necessary, our clinicians determine the most manageable and effective prescription for you.
Clinically-Proven Therapy
We personalize each patient experience by matching you to the right practitioner—and the right clinically-proven therapy for your set of symptoms.
Our Providers are experts in PTSD treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Headlight for?
Headlight is for everyone. Taking care of your mental health is a sign of strength, and choosing to better oneself is an empowering decision. We provide mental health services to those seeking a bright path forward.
What is therapy?
Therapy offers a safe and confidential space for individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. During therapy sessions, your Headlight therapist will actively listen and provide guidance and insights to help you better understand yourself, your relationships, and your challenges. Talk therapy can address a variety of mental health concerns, from anxiety and depression to trauma and relationship issues. Headlight’s clinicians are experienced in various therapeutic approaches and techniques and offer in-person or virtual sessions.
What is the difference between therapy and psychiatry?
Therapy, often provided by psychologists, social workers, or counselors, involves talking through emotional and psychological challenges to gain insight and develop coping strategies. Whereas, psychiatry, typically led by medical doctors, focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues using medication alongside therapy when necessary. While therapy emphasizes conversation and behavioral strategies, psychiatry integrates medication management to address biochemical imbalances in mental health conditions.
Why is it so important to find the right therapist?
Finding the right therapist is so important as it establishes a foundation of trust, creating a safe space for open communication. A well-matched therapist can better understand your individual needs, ensuring personalized support and enhancing the effectiveness of the therapeutic process.
What services do you offer?
Headlight services include therapy, medication management, and Esketamine (Spravato) sessions.
More than 50% of Americans struggle with mental health.
Headlight is now collaborating with health plans and companies to make therapy more accessible and affordable. Get scheduled now.