PTSD Treatment Options in Austin, TX
Heal your past, Reclaim your present, Build your future
PTSD Treatment in Austin, TX: A Guide to Recovery
The treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is complex. If you've been looking for PTSD treatment in Austin, TX, it can feel overwhelming to navigate through all the types of providers, different treatments, and differences between individual therapy vs treatment programs. As a mental health professional in Austin I've created this page to help you understand your options and the specific services I offer. First, allow me to introduce myself…
Alex Penrod, MS, LPC, LCDC
Owner and Therapist
Welcome to Neuro Nuance Therapy and EMDR. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), and a person in long-term recovery with a decade of experience working in the behavioral health treatment field.
As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional II trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, I consider trauma-focused therapy and the treatment of PTSD my specialty.
Knowing a mental health professional's qualifications and background is something I highly recommend exploring before entering into treatment for PTSD. There are crucial differences between those offering coaching services, licensed clinical services, and psychiatric medicine. I don't share my credentials to toot my own horn, but to provide a sense of credibility and an example of what to look for when seeking mental health care. Now let's get into this guide!
What You Can Expect to Learn
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Key Points
Understanding PTSD and It's Impact
The Effects of PTSD on Daily Life
Common PTSD Symptoms
PTSD Treatment Options in Austin, TX
Evidence-Based Therapies for PTSD
Medications for PTSD
Holistic and Complimentary PTSD Treatments
Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders: PTSD and Substance Use
PTSD Treatment for Specific Populations
Finding PTSD Treatment in Austin, TX
Understanding PTSD and Its Impact
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can develop after a traumatic experience or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma can result from military combat, sexual assault, domestic violence, childhood trauma, natural disasters, accidents, or other life-threatening situations. While people who have experienced trauma may briefly develop Acute Stress Disorder, if symptoms persist beyond 30 days, this can indicate the development of PTSD.
PTSD affects mental health significantly, disrupting emotional and nervous system regulation, cognitive and memory function, and overall well-being. Guidelines from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) highlight the importance of early intervention and tailored psychological treatment.
The Effects of PTSD on Daily Life
PTSD can severely impact daily life, making it difficult to maintain relationships, engage in social activities, care for oneself, or even hold jobs. Without intervention, PTSD may lead to other mental health problems, including anxiety disorders, depression, substance use disorders, and suicidal ideation. Studies from the National Center for PTSD emphasize the importance of social support in mitigating symptoms and promoting resilience.
Common PTSD Symptoms
PTSD symptoms fall into four categories:
Intrusive thoughts: Flashbacks, distressing dreams, and repetitive intrusive trauma memories.
Avoidance behaviors: Steering clear of internal thoughts, feelings, and memories, or trauma-related places, people, or topics.
Negative thoughts and emotions: Persistent guilt, shame, negative beliefs, emotion dysregulation, difficulty experiencing positive emotions, and feelings of detachment.
Hyperarousal symptoms: Insomnia, irritability, exaggerated startle responses, and difficulty concentrating.
Recognizing PTSD symptoms and seeking professional help is essential for recovery. Diagnosis of PTSD requires a licensed professional to consider all the factors involved and rule out alternative explanations for symptoms.
Living with the Impacts of PTSD Can be Debilitating
Evidence-Based Therapies for PTSD
Several trauma-focused therapies are recognized for their effectiveness in PTSD treatment offering both short-term and long-term relief:
1. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movement desensitization, alternating auditory tones, or tapping to help reprocess traumatic memories in a tolerable way. Randomized controlled trials support EMDR as a leading PTSD treatment. EMDR has been endorsed by the United States government (VA/DoD) as an effective therapy for PTSD in military personnel and service members. It's also endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association and World Health Organization for the civilian population.
2. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT is a structured therapy that helps individuals reframe negative thoughts or "stuck points" related to trauma. It’s particularly effective for survivors of sexual assault, military combat, and domestic violence. CPT works by helping individuals identify, challenge, and replace cognitive distortions and reduce negative emotions that reinforce PTSD symptoms.
3. Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
PE helps individuals desensitize trauma memories through gradually increased exposure, reducing avoidance behaviors and trauma responses. This therapy is particularly beneficial for those with combat-related PTSD. Imaginal exposure and in-vivo exposure exercises allow individuals to reprocess trauma in a safe and structured manner.
4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
CBT and trauma-focused CBT help individuals challenge negative thoughts, develop coping skills, and improve emotional regulation. TF-CBT leverages techniques such as cognitive restructuring and imaginal exposure to desensitize memories and their associated automatic thoughts. Cognitive and exposure based therapies are particularly effective in addressing single event traumas.
Medications for PTSD
Holistic and Complementary PTSD Treatments
Many individuals find relief through alternative therapies with research support, even if they may not have achieved first-line treatment status. These include:
1. Group Therapy and Peer Support
Support groups provide shared healing experiences. Organizations in Austin offer peer support for veterans, survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and individuals coping with mental illness. Studies show that social support plays a crucial role in PTSD recovery.
2. Family Therapy
Family therapy improves communication and fosters a strong support network, essential for long-term recovery. Family involvement in PTSD treatment has been linked to improved outcomes and better management of posttraumatic stress disorder.
3. Mindfulness, Meditation, and Somatic Therapies
Practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing help regulate negative emotions and the nervous system. Some research shows that trauma informed yoga, breathwork, and somatic therapies can improve heart-rate variability, a measure of nervous system health. This can enhance the response to therapies that focus on processing thoughts and memories. Mindfulness-based interventions have been included in many clinical trials due to their benefits in reducing PTSD symptoms.
4. Equine and Art Therapy
Creative and animal-assisted therapies help individuals process trauma non-verbally, improving emotional resilience. Programs using equine therapy have shown promise for young people and those with complex PTSD. Techniques like Trauma-Focused Art Therapy offer outlets for expression and processing of trauma that talk therapies often can’t achieve.
5. Stress Inoculation Training (SIT)
SIT, a specialized cognitive behavioral therapy, teaches coping skills to manage short-term and long-term stress effectively. It is particularly helpful for military personnel and service members, as well as first responders who are regularly exposed to trauma.
6. Acupuncture
Acupuncture for PTSD is focused on vagus nerve stimulation to produce a relaxation response.
There are also medical devices for vagus nerve stimulation with emerging evidence for usefulness in the treatment of PTSD.
7. Neurofeedback and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Neurofeedback has long been used for PTSD, but recently a new FDA approved system was made available in 2024.
When TMS is used in conjunction with Quantitative EEG’s guiding the protocol, there is emerging evidence of effectiveness for PTSD. Magnetic eResonance Therapy (MeRT) TMS has been granted breakthrough device status for the treatment of PTSD. Both of these options require the treatment to be delivered by a medical professional.
Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders: PTSD and Substance Use
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Many individuals with PTSD also struggle with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Some estimates report that around 44% of people with PTSD at any time in their life also meet criteria for SUD.
Integrated psychological treatment ensures both PTSD and addiction are treated concurrently. The American Psychiatric Association and National Institute of Mental Health recommend specialized care for individuals dealing with both PTSD and substance use. Overcoming these challenging conditions at the same time is difficult. Detox, residential and intensive outpatient programs offer more robust support vs weekly individual outpatient therapy.
PTSD Treatment for Specific Populations
1. Military Personnel and First Responders
Veterans and first responders share increased risk factors for developing PTSD due to the nature of the events and situations they are repeatedly exposed to. They often require specialized PTSD care due to their exposure to military combat and crisis situations. Rapport and trust are essential to successful treatment, and Veterans and first responders are best supported when they feel understood by their providers. The VA/DoD provides trauma-informed therapy tailored to Veterans and service members. The Austin Vet Center is a local option. Non-profit organizations such as the Veterans Health and Wellness Foundation are committed to assisting Veterans all over the country by helping them locate resources and services in their community. First responders can often find resources through peer support and referral networks such as those listed here.
2. Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
Women and men who have experienced sexual assault and domestic violence benefit from trauma-focused therapy addressing safety concerns and self-esteem rebuilding. The SAFE Alliance offers resources, advocacy, counseling, and peer support for survivors in Austin, TX.
3. PTSD in Young People
Children and adolescents with PTSD may require specialized therapy, such as TF-CBT or play therapy. Early intervention is crucial for minimizing long-term psychological impacts.
4. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
C-PTSD results from prolonged exposure to trauma. Treatment includes cognitive restructuring, imaginal exposure, and support for rebuilding identity. Individuals with complex PTSD often require modified versions of the evidence-based treatments for PTSD with supplemental therapies such as Ego State Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy to help make exposure to traumatic memories safe, effective, and tolerable. Follow the links to learn more about Complex PTSD and the differences between PTSD and C-PTSD.
Finding PTSD Treatment in Austin, TX
Next Steps…
If this page provided you with greater insight and clarity into the nature of PTSD and the wide range of options available for treatment, feel free to share it with anyone who may find it useful.
To summarize the services unique to my practice, I specialize in using EMDR, blended with Ego State Therapy and Internal Family Systems Informed therapy for the treatment of PTSD, C-PTSD, and dissociative disorders.
My training as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II allows me to use range of techniques to modify EMDR for use in situations where the basic protocol would not be appropriate. I work with other local providers to coordinate comprehensive treatment when multiple disciplines are required. I offer in-person therapy in Austin and online telehealth sessions anywhere in Texas.
Visit my home page to learn more about EMDR and my services, or schedule a free 15-minute consultation below. I’d be honored to assist you on your trauma healing journey!
3 Step Plan
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Book Your Free 15-Minute Consultation
Follow the link below to use my calendar and choose a time that’s right for you.
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Together we assess your needs and determine a plan of action
A consultation allows you to explore if therapy with me is right for you with no commitment or obligation.
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Begin healing your past, reclaiming your present, and building your future
After consultation, beginning therapy is as easy as scheduling your first session.