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.
Therapy is a first-line treatment for PTSD, and trauma-focused approaches are among the most effective tools available. You do not have to relive the worst moment alone or all at once — a trained therapist works at your pace, in a safe and structured way, to help your mind file the past as past. If trauma is shaping your daily life, this is a path that works for many people, and you can start it now.
Your treatment options
A few evidence-based therapies are the foundation of PTSD care:
- Cognitive processing therapy (CPT). Helps you examine and shift the stuck, painful beliefs trauma can create about yourself, others, and safety.
- Prolonged exposure (PE). Gradually and safely reduces the power of trauma memories and the situations you have been avoiding.
- EMDR. Uses guided attention while you briefly recall the memory to help the brain reprocess it.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Practical skills for managing symptoms and reducing avoidance.
- Medication, when helpful. Therapy is often combined with medication for moderate to severe symptoms.
See the full PTSD treatment overview or browse all treatment guides. Not sure which fits? A short conversation can help you decide.
What happens when you call
If you use the helpline on this page, here is what to expect — no surprises:
- A treatment specialist answers and asks a few questions about what you are looking for.
- It is a no-pressure conversation. There is no obligation, 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. If you would rather not use it, the free SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) and 988 are always available.
Check in on your symptoms
Not sure whether therapy is the right next step? Take a private, two-minute, non-diagnostic PTSD self-check. Nothing is saved.
Find PTSD help in your state
Therapists, costs, and coverage differ by state. Use Find Help by State for your state mental-health agency, Medicaid coverage, and low-cost options — part of our State of Mental Health Access data.
What treatment costs
Cost depends on the provider, your insurance, and your state — so there is no single number. Insurance and Medicaid generally cover therapy, and free or low-cost options exist everywhere, including community mental health centers and sliding-scale clinics. Eligible veterans can access trauma-focused therapy through the VA. A specialist can help you find care that fits your budget.
From our clinical review. People fear that therapy means being forced to relive the trauma in full. Good trauma therapy is the opposite — it is structured, paced, and collaborative. You are never thrown back into the memory; you are walked through it with support until it loses its grip.
If you are ready, talk to someone about therapy options now — it is free to call and there is no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
What type of therapy is best for PTSD?
Trauma-focused psychotherapies are considered first-line for PTSD. The most studied are cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure (PE), and EMDR. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also widely used. A clinician helps match the approach to your needs and comfort.
Do I have to talk about the trauma in detail?
It depends on the approach. Some trauma-focused therapies involve gradually processing the memory in a safe, structured way; others focus more on present-day thoughts and coping. A good therapist moves at your pace and explains what each approach involves before you begin.
How long does PTSD therapy take?
Many trauma-focused therapies are delivered over roughly 8 to 16 weekly sessions, though the right length varies by person. Many people notice meaningful improvement within that range. Only a qualified professional can recommend the right plan for you.
Sources
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- PTSD Treatment: National Center for PTSD — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- 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.