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PTSD Treatment in Dartmouth, MA

PTSD affects about 3.5% of US adults — approximately 9 million people — each year.

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About PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is not a sign of weakness — it is a recognized medical condition involving changes in brain chemistry and function.

DLH Consulting provides trauma-informed psychiatric care including medication management and coordination with trauma-specialized therapists for comprehensive PTSD treatment.

Related Conditions We Treat

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When to Seek Help

PTSD should be evaluated when symptoms persist for more than one month after a traumatic event and are causing significant distress or impairment. You do not need to have experienced combat or a dramatic single event for your symptoms to be valid — PTSD can develop from any type of trauma, including childhood abuse, domestic violence, medical trauma, accidents, assault, or witnessing harm to others. Symptoms that interfere with sleep, relationships, work, or daily functioning deserve professional attention regardless of how long ago the trauma occurred. Many people with PTSD minimize their experiences or feel they do not deserve help. If trauma is affecting your quality of life, treatment can help.

Our Treatment Approach

DLH Consulting provides trauma-informed psychiatric care — meaning all of our providers are trained to recognize the impact of trauma and integrate this awareness into every evaluation and treatment interaction. We will never pressure you to disclose more than you are comfortable sharing. PTSD medication management typically involves SSRIs (sertraline and paroxetine are FDA-approved for PTSD), which reduce the frequency and intensity of flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and mood symptoms. Prazosin is often added specifically for nightmare reduction. We coordinate closely with trauma-specialized therapists who provide evidence-based trauma therapies including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE).

What to Expect

Your initial evaluation focuses on understanding your current symptoms and their impact on your life. You will not be asked to provide detailed accounts of your trauma. Most PTSD medications take 6-8 weeks to show meaningful improvement. We check in regularly in the early weeks to monitor your response and side effects. Trauma recovery is not linear — you may have periods of improvement followed by setbacks, particularly around anniversaries or triggers. We work with you through this process and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Many patients with PTSD experience dramatic improvement with treatment.

Providers Who Specialize in This Area

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Common Symptoms

  • Intrusive memories or flashbacks
  • Nightmares
  • Severe emotional distress when reminded of trauma
  • Avoidance of trauma reminders
  • Negative changes in thinking and mood
  • Feeling emotionally numb
  • Hypervigilance
  • Irritability or angry outbursts
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Difficulty concentrating

Treatment Approaches

  • Medication management (SSRIs, prazosin for nightmares)
  • Trauma-informed therapy coordination (EMDR, CPT, PE)
  • Integrated psychiatric and therapy care
  • Sleep disorder treatment

Get Started Today

Our intake coordinator will reach out within 2 business days of receiving your completed intake forms.

Complete Intake Forms (774) 929-7420

Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: 516 Hawthorn St., Dartmouth, MA
Telehealth: Available statewide

Insurance We Accept

We accept most major plans including:

Types of PTSD

Classic PTSD

Develops following direct experience or witnessing of a traumatic event such as combat, assault, accident, or disaster.

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)

Develops from prolonged, repeated trauma such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or long-term captivity.

Acute Stress Disorder

Similar symptoms to PTSD occurring within the first month after trauma — early intervention can prevent progression to PTSD.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after trauma can PTSD develop?

PTSD symptoms can begin within one month of a traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms don't appear until months or years later. There is no deadline — if you are experiencing PTSD symptoms regardless of when the trauma occurred, treatment can help.

Can medication help PTSD?

Yes. SSRIs (sertraline and paroxetine) are FDA-approved for PTSD treatment. Prazosin is commonly used to reduce nightmares. Medication is often most effective when combined with trauma-focused therapy.

What is the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD?

Standard PTSD typically results from a single traumatic event. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) develops from prolonged, repeated trauma and includes additional symptoms such as difficulty regulating emotions, negative self-perception, and problems with relationships.

Do I need to talk about my trauma in detail to get treatment?

No. Medication management for PTSD does not require detailed disclosure of your trauma history. Your provider needs enough information to make a diagnosis and recommend treatment, but will never pressure you to share more than you are comfortable with.

Is PTSD treatment covered by insurance?

Yes. PTSD is covered by most major insurance plans including MassHealth, Medicare, and commercial insurers as a behavioral health condition.

Also Treating

DLH Consulting treats a full range of mental health conditions. Learn more about other conditions we commonly treat:

AnxietyDepressionADHDBipolar DisorderOCDPanic DisorderSleep DisordersTraumaMood DisordersPostpartum Depression

Insurance We Accept

MassHealth Medicare Blue Cross Blue Shield Aetna Cigna United Healthcare + 9 more →

Ready to Get Help for PTSD?

Our board-certified PMHNPs are accepting new patients in Dartmouth, MA — in-person and via telehealth statewide.