How do I know if I have PTSD?

PTSD can involve intrusive memories, avoidance, mood/cognitive changes, and hyperarousal after trauma. If symptoms persist for more than a month and interfere with daily life, an evaluation can help clarify diagnosis and next steps.

Do I have to relive my trauma in therapy?

Therapy is paced to your readiness. Evidence-based treatments help reduce avoidance and distress in structured ways, without forcing you to share details you’re not ready to discuss.

What treatments have the strongest evidence?

Trauma-focused therapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) are widely used and supported by research for PTSD, and Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) is commonly used for youth.

Can medication help PTSD?

Medication can help reduce symptoms like sleep disturbance, anxiety, or irritability. Many people benefit from combining medication support with therapy for long-term improvement.

Do you offer telepsychiatry?

Yes. Sunshine Psychiatry offers in-person and secure telepsychiatry visits. We’ll help determine what’s best for evaluation and follow-up.

PTSD Treatment • Fort Myers, FL

PTSD Care That Helps You Feel Safe in Your Life Again

Trauma can change the nervous system. With the right support, symptoms like hypervigilance, flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance can improve. We offer in-person care and telepsychiatry.

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Evidence-based therapy

Trauma-focused approaches

Medication support

When appropriate

Child/Teen options

Age-appropriate care

If you’re in crisis or feel unsafe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

You don’t need to keep living in survival mode

PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. For some people it shows up immediately; for others it can build over time. When symptoms persist for more than a month and interfere with daily life, specialized treatment can help.

What we focus on: understanding your symptoms, reducing triggers, improving sleep and regulation, and helping you reclaim everyday life— without forcing you to “just move on.”

Why do I have PTSD?

PTSD can occur after exposure to a threatening or traumatic event. Common experiences that may contribute include:

Combat duty or military trauma

Gun violence or assault

Sexual violence

Domestic violence or emotional abuse

Accidents (car, boat, etc.)

Robbery / home invasion

Loss of a loved one

Natural disasters

PTSD can develop after one event or prolonged exposure to trauma, including childhood experiences.

Symptoms of PTSD

Symptoms can look different for each person, but commonly include distressing memories, avoidance, mood changes, and hyperarousal.

Re-experiencing

Flashbacks
Nightmares
Intrusive memories

Avoidance

Avoiding reminders
Withdrawing from people
Numbing

Hyperarousal

Irritability / anger
Sleep problems
Hypervigilance

If symptoms are lasting or worsening, you deserve support.

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How PTSD is treated

Treatment is personalized. Medication can help reduce symptoms like sleep disruption, anxiety, or agitation, while therapy helps process trauma and reduce avoidance. We use approaches with strong evidence for PTSD.

Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)

Often used for children and adolescents—supports coping skills, processing, and caregiver involvement when helpful.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Helps identify and change trauma-related beliefs and emotional patterns, reducing the impact of trauma over time.

Prolonged Exposure (PE)

Helps reduce avoidance by safely confronting trauma-related fears in a structured, supportive way.

Medication management

When appropriate, medication can support sleep, mood, and anxiety symptoms while you do the deeper work in therapy.

Sources: VA: How common is PTSD in Veterans? • NIMH: PTSD statistics • APA: Evidence-based PTSD treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

Medical disclaimer: This page is informational and does not replace individualized medical advice. If you’re experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.