PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, often leading to flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional distress. NuMind Psychiatry, located in Seattle and Kennewick, Washington, is led by Jay Rivas, DNP, PMHNP-BC, and his dedicated colleagues. They offer evidence-based therapies and compassionate care to help patients process trauma and move forward with confidence. Contact NuMind Psychiatry by phone or request an appointment online today to begin your path toward healing from PTSD.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Examples of these events include the following:

• Road, rail, or air accidents
• Natural disasters like floods and hurricanes
• Domestic or sexual abuse
• Combat or living in a war zone
• Terrorist acts
• Personal assaults like muggings and rapes
• Serious illness or injury

At NuMind Psychiatry, Dr. Rivas and his colleagues help patients understand and manage PTSD with compassion, skill, and personalized care.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

PTSD affects people in different ways, but common symptoms include:

• Flashbacks or nightmares about the trauma
• Avoiding people, places, or situations that bring back memories
• Feeling on edge or easily startled
• Negative changes in mood, such as sadness, guilt, or anger
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating

Symptoms may appear shortly after the event or take months to develop. NuMind Psychiatry helps patients recognize these signs and offers tools to help them cope and heal.

Who can get PTSD?

Anyone who experiences trauma can develop PTSD, regardless of age, gender, or background. However, not everyone exposed to something traumatic will develop the condition.

Factors like past trauma, lack of support, and personal history can increase the risk. NuMind Psychiatry treats each patient with understanding, no matter their story.

Dr. Rivas and his colleagues make a diagnosis by carefully evaluating your symptoms, history, and how the trauma is affecting your daily life. They use clinical interviews and screening tools to make an accurate diagnosis and guide treatment.

What are the treatment options for PTSD?

PTSD is treatable, and many people see significant improvements with the proper support. Treatment may include the following:

Therapy

Trauma-focused therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), helps reprocess painful memories and reduce symptoms.

Medication

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help manage mood and sleep issues.

Coping strategies

Learning relaxation techniques, setting routines, and building a support network can also be helpful.

NuMind Psychiatry creates personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals, focusing on long-term healing. Recovery takes time and support, but healing is definitely possible, and many people with PTSD go on to lead full, meaningful lives.

To access compassionate, expert care for PTSD, call NuMind Psychiatry or request an appointment by completing the online booking form today.