Trauma & Stress

PTSD Treatment in Long Beach

Also known as: PTSD

Two men talking warmly in a sunlit living room.

Key takeaways

PTSD can follow a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, avoidance, and feeling on edge.
It is common and treatable. Symptoms can ease with the right care.
Medication management plus trauma-focused therapy referrals help most people.
Seek help if distress lingers or interferes with daily life after a trauma.

What PTSD feels like

Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after living through or witnessing a traumatic event. People may relive it through flashbacks or nightmares, avoid reminders, and feel constantly on guard. These are understandable responses to overwhelming experiences, and they are treatable.

How psychiatric care helps

A psychiatric evaluation clarifies your symptoms and rules out other causes, and medication management can reduce nightmares, anxiety, and that on-edge feeling. We can also coordinate referrals to trauma-focused therapy for fuller recovery.

Sources: NIMH: PTSD, Mayo Clinic: PTSD.

Signs & symptoms

Flashbacks or intrusive memories
Nightmares or trouble sleeping
Avoiding reminders of the trauma
Feeling on edge or easily startled
Negative changes in mood or thinking

Causes & risk factors

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), PTSD can develop at any age after a traumatic event; not everyone who experiences trauma develops it.

Causes

Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event
Differences in the brain's stress and fear responses
Lack of support or added stress after the event

Risk factors

Experiencing intense or long-lasting trauma
A personal or family history of mental health conditions
Limited social support after a traumatic event

Possible complications

Depression or anxiety
Sleep problems and ongoing distress
Difficulty with work and relationships

How it's diagnosed

Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
Validated PTSD screening tools
Medical work-up to rule out other causes

Treatment options

Service	What it's for
Medication Management	Careful selection, monitoring, and adjustment of psychiatric medications to maximize benefit and minimize side effects.
Psychiatric Evaluation	A thorough first assessment to understand your history and symptoms and build an accurate diagnosis and plan.

Visiting our office

Some people with PTSD feel safer starting from a familiar room. Before booking, call to ask which provider currently has openings for new PTSD patients, and whether the first visit can be by video or at the Long Beach office.

Our office: 3646 Long Beach Blvd # 205, Long Beach, CA 90807
Hours: Mon–Fri · 8 AM–6 PM (Pacific)
Phone: (818) 286-3862

Directions and more about our office are on the Psychiatrist in Long Beach page.

Prevention

Early support and care after a traumatic event
Strong social support
Prompt treatment when symptoms appear

When to seek help

If symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with daily life, a psychiatric evaluation can help. If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 now. It is free and open 24/7. In an emergency, call 911.

Frequently asked questions

Is PTSD treatable?

Yes. PTSD is common and responds well to care. Psychiatric evaluation and medication management can ease symptoms, and we can coordinate therapy referrals too.

How long after trauma can PTSD appear?

Symptoms often begin within months of an event, but they can surface later. If distress lingers or interferes with daily life, a psychiatric evaluation can help.

Providers who treat this

We see patients in person at our Long Beach office. Telehealth available across California, with new locations coming to Northern California. See every area we serve.

Coming from a nearby area?

Every in-person visit is at our one office in Long Beach.

Sources

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), NIMH

Medically reviewed by Irine Achuamang, MSN, PMHNP-BC. Last reviewed October 21, 2026.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional care. In crisis? Call or text 988.

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