Evidence-Based Trauma Recovery
PTSD Treatment & Trauma Therapy in Orlando
Heal from trauma with compassionate, expert care. Our board-certified psychiatrists and trauma-focused therapists specialize in Cognitive Processing Therapy, trauma-focused CBT, and medication management for PTSD and Complex PTSD. Serving Orlando and Winter Park.
Most major insurance accepted • Self-pay options available
Start Your PTSD Treatment
Comprehensive PTSD Treatment in Orlando
Experiencing a Trauma Crisis?
Same-week crisis appointments available. If you're experiencing severe flashbacks, panic episodes, or feel unsafe, our trauma-informed team can see you quickly. You don't have to go through this alone.
If this is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects approximately 6% of the U.S. population at some point in their lives, with about 12 million adults living with PTSD in any given year. At Empathy Health Clinic in Orlando, our board-certified PTSD psychiatrists and trauma-focused therapists provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatment to help you recover from trauma and reclaim your life.
PTSD develops when the brain's natural stress response system becomes stuck after a traumatic experience. Rather than processing and filing the memory away, the brain continues to perceive danger long after the event has ended. This is not a sign of weakness—it's a neurological response that can happen to anyone. The good news is that PTSD is one of the most treatable mental health conditions when you receive the right care.
Our trauma-informed approach combines proven therapies like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure with expert medication management when appropriate. Whether your trauma stems from combat, assault, childhood experiences, or any other event, we create a personalized treatment plan designed around your specific needs and comfort level.
Trauma Specialists
Board-certified psychiatrists and therapists with specialized training in trauma-informed care
Same-Week Appointments
We understand trauma waits for no one—get started within days
Insurance Accepted
BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare accepted
Telehealth Available
Attend sessions from a safe, comfortable environment at home
Evidence-Based PTSD Treatment Approaches
We offer the most effective, research-backed treatments for trauma recovery
Somatic and Body-Based Therapy
Body-centered approaches address how trauma is stored physically in the nervous system, helping reduce hyperarousal, dissociation, and physical tension associated with PTSD.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT is a structured 12-session protocol that helps you examine and change unhelpful beliefs formed after trauma—such as self-blame, distrust, or feelings of helplessness. It's one of the most evidence-supported treatments for PTSD.
Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy
PE helps you gradually confront trauma-related memories and situations you've been avoiding. Through guided, safe exposure, the memories lose their power and your anxiety decreases over time.
Medication Management
Our psychiatrists prescribe FDA-approved medications for PTSD, including SSRIs like sertraline and paroxetine. We also address sleep disturbances, nightmares (with medications like prazosin), and co-occurring anxiety or depression.
Integrated Treatment Planning
Many patients benefit from combining therapy and medication. Our team coordinates between your therapist and psychiatrist to ensure every aspect of your recovery is addressed—from symptom management to long-term healing.
Insurance & Payment Options
We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible payment options
Find an in-network provider from most insurance plans
Add your insurance to see in-network mental health providers
We accept most major commercial insurance plans. Self-pay options available. Note: We do not accept Medicaid or Sunshine Health.
Why Choose Empathy Health Clinic
Licensed Professionals
Board-certified psychiatrists and licensed therapists
HIPAA Compliant
Your privacy and confidentiality are protected
Insurance Accepted
We accept most major insurance plans
Same-Week Appointments
Fast access to care when you need it most
Types of Trauma We Treat
Our trauma specialists have experience treating PTSD from a wide range of traumatic experiences.
Common PTSD Symptoms
PTSD symptoms fall into four clusters. If these symptoms persist for more than a month, professional treatment can help.
Re-Experiencing & Intrusion
- • Flashbacks—reliving the trauma
- • Nightmares about the event
- • Intrusive, unwanted memories
- • Intense distress at trauma reminders
- • Physical reactions (racing heart, sweating)
Avoidance & Numbing
- • Avoiding trauma-related places or people
- • Emotional numbness or detachment
- • Loss of interest in activities
- • Feeling disconnected from others
- • Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
Negative Thoughts & Mood
- • Persistent guilt, shame, or self-blame
- • Distorted beliefs about the trauma
- • Hopelessness about the future
- • Difficulty trusting others
- • Memory gaps about the traumatic event
Hyperarousal & Reactivity
- • Being easily startled or on edge
- • Hypervigilance—constantly scanning for danger
- • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- • Irritability and angry outbursts
- • Reckless or self-destructive behavior
PTSD vs. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
While PTSD typically develops from a single traumatic event—such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster—Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) results from prolonged or repeated trauma. This includes ongoing childhood abuse, domestic violence, captivity, or extended combat deployments.
C-PTSD includes all the symptoms of PTSD plus three additional areas of difficulty: problems regulating emotions (intense anger, persistent sadness, or emotional shutdowns), negative self-perception (deep shame, guilt, or feeling permanently damaged), and relationship challenges (difficulty trusting others, patterns of unhealthy relationships, or isolation).
Both PTSD and C-PTSD are treatable at our clinic. C-PTSD may require a longer treatment timeline with additional focus on emotional regulation and relationship skills. Our specialists tailor treatment to address the full complexity of your experience. Learn more in our guide to Complex PTSD vs. PTSD.
PTSD Treatment Resources
Learn more about PTSD treatment options, recovery, and what to expect.
Trauma-Informed Care in Orlando
Trauma-informed care is more than a treatment method—it's a philosophy that shapes every interaction at our clinic. Our providers understand that trauma affects how you experience the world, including how you feel in a clinical setting. We prioritize physical and emotional safety, transparency, collaboration, and empowerment throughout your treatment.
In practice, this means you always have a say in your treatment plan. We explain what to expect before each session, move at your pace, and never pressure you to discuss details you're not ready to share. Our office environment is designed to feel calm and welcoming, and our telehealth option lets you attend from a space where you feel most comfortable.
Every member of our team—from front desk to providers—is trained in trauma-informed principles. We recognize that seemingly small things, like how we greet you, how long you wait, and how we handle scheduling changes, can make a meaningful difference when you're living with trauma.
PTSD Medication Management
While therapy is the cornerstone of PTSD treatment, medication can play a critical role—especially for moderate to severe symptoms. Our board-certified psychiatrists specialize in trauma medication management, carefully selecting and monitoring medications to help you regain stability while you work through therapy.
First-Line Medications
- • Sertraline (Zoloft) — FDA-approved for PTSD
- • Paroxetine (Paxil) — FDA-approved for PTSD
- • Venlafaxine (Effexor) — strong evidence for PTSD symptoms
Targeted Symptom Relief
- • Prazosin — reduces trauma nightmares
- • Hydroxyzine — acute anxiety and hyperarousal
- • Trazodone — trauma-related insomnia
Medication selection is always individualized. Your psychiatrist will discuss risks, benefits, and alternatives before starting any medication.
Sexual Trauma Treatment in Orlando
Sexual trauma—including sexual assault, abuse, harassment, and exploitation—requires specialized, sensitive treatment. Our providers are experienced in working with survivors and understand the unique dynamics of sexual trauma, including shame, self-blame, trust issues, and the impact on intimacy and relationships.
We offer gender-concordant provider matching when requested, and you always have control over the pace and direction of treatment. Evidence-based trauma therapies allow processing of traumatic memories at your own pace, without requiring you to verbally recount the details of the experience.
If you're a recent survivor, we can help you access forensic and advocacy resources in the Orlando area. For those with past trauma that's surfacing now—whether triggered by recent events, life transitions, or relationship patterns—it's never too late to seek treatment. Healing is possible at any stage.
Medical References
Verified On
PTSD Treatment FAQs
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Trauma doesn't have to define your future. Our compassionate, experienced team is here to help you recover and move forward. Same-week appointments available.