This page is for general education and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified professional. If this is an emergency, call 911 or 988.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a recognized, treatable condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. It is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness — it is the mind and body staying stuck in survival mode after danger has passed. If trauma is affecting how you feel, sleep, think, or function, effective help exists, and you can take the next step today.
Your treatment options
PTSD responds well to a few proven, evidence-based approaches that you and a professional combine to fit your situation:
- Trauma-focused therapy — usually first. Approaches like cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure are first-line treatments, and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) is also well supported. See therapy for PTSD.
- Skills-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) gives you practical tools to manage symptoms and reduce avoidance.
- Medication. Certain antidepressants can ease PTSD symptoms and are often used alongside therapy. See PTSD medication.
- Combination care. Many people do best with therapy and medication together.
- Levels of care. Most PTSD is treated in regular outpatient visits; more intensive programs exist for higher needs. Our treatment guides explain the differences.
Not sure where to start? A short conversation can help you sort out which option fits.
What happens when you call
If you use the helpline on this page, here is exactly what to expect — no surprises:
- A treatment specialist answers and asks a few questions about what you are going through and the kind of help you are looking for.
- It is a no-pressure conversation. There is no obligation to enter treatment, and you can stop any time.
- They can help you understand options, including cost and insurance.
- This is an advertising-supported service: calls are answered by a paid advertiser, not by Get Mental Help, and we do not take a fee based on which provider you choose. If you would rather not use it, the free SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are always available at no cost.
You should always know who you are talking to and why.
Check in on your symptoms
Not sure how much trauma is affecting you? Take a private, two-minute, non-diagnostic PTSD self-check. Nothing is saved, and it can help you decide whether to reach out.
Find PTSD help in your state
Options, costs, and coverage differ by state. Use Find Help by State for your state mental-health agency, Medicaid coverage, crisis lines, and free or low-cost options — part of our State of Mental Health Access data.
What treatment costs
Cost depends on the type of care, your insurance, and your state — so there is no single number. A few things that help:
- Insurance and Medicaid generally cover mental health treatment, though coverage varies by plan and state.
- Free and low-cost options exist everywhere — 988, the free SAMHSA National Helpline, community mental health centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and sliding-scale clinics. Veterans may be eligible for PTSD care through the VA.
- A specialist, or your state resources, can help you find care that fits your budget.
From our clinical review. Trauma convinces people that the danger is still here, so reaching out can feel unsafe. It is not. Naming what happened and learning that the symptoms have a name — and a treatment — is often the moment recovery begins.
If you are ready, talk to someone about your options now — it is free to call and there is no obligation. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 any time.
Frequently asked questions
What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as combat, assault, a serious accident, or a disaster. It involves symptoms in four areas — re-experiencing the event, avoidance, negative changes in mood and thinking, and feeling on edge — that last more than a month and interfere with daily life. Only a qualified professional can diagnose it.
Does everyone who goes through trauma get PTSD?
No. Many people have stress reactions after a frightening event and recover on their own within days or weeks. PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms persist beyond about a month, cause real distress, and disrupt daily life. Whether someone develops PTSD depends on many factors, and it is not a sign of weakness.
Is PTSD treatable?
Yes. PTSD is treatable. Trauma-focused therapies such as cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, and EMDR are well supported by research, and certain medications can help. Many people improve significantly, and reaching out for help is the first step.
Sources
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- PTSD: National Center for PTSD — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — American Psychological Association (APA)
Reviewed against the sources above. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.