New Location!: 3110 N Swan Rd, Tucson AZ 85712

PTSD Treatment in Tucson

Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry provides PTSD treatment in Tucson for patients ages 12 and older, with virtual appointments also available across Arizona when appropriate. Treatment is individualized and may include evidence-based trauma-focused therapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), and EMDR.

Post-traumatic stress disorder can affect people differently, so treatment is not based on a single approach. Our clinicians work with you to understand what you are experiencing, identify your goals, and determine which treatment options may be an appropriate fit.

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, and responses to trauma can vary considerably.

PTSD may involve difficulties such as:

  • Unwanted or distressing memories
  • Avoiding reminders of what happened
  • Changes in mood or thinking
  • Feeling constantly alert or on edge
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Strong emotional or physical reactions to reminders of trauma
  • Difficulty feeling safe, connected, or comfortable in everyday situations

Experiencing some of these concerns does not necessarily mean that someone has PTSD. A qualified mental health professional can evaluate symptoms, history, and how those symptoms are affecting daily life.

Client speaking with a therapist during a PTSD counseling session in Tucson

PTSD Treatment Approaches at Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry

There is no single treatment that is right for every person with PTSD.

Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry offers several trauma-focused psychotherapy approaches. CPT, Prolonged Exposure, and EMDR are among the trauma-focused psychotherapies most strongly recommended for PTSD in current VA/DoD clinical guidance.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Cognitive Processing Therapy is a structured trauma-focused psychotherapy that helps people examine thoughts and beliefs that may have developed after a traumatic experience.

CPT may help patients identify patterns in how they understand the trauma, themselves, and the world around them.

CPT is available through Rina Abrams-Dunn.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

Prolonged Exposure Therapy is a structured trauma-focused treatment that helps patients gradually approach trauma-related memories, emotions, and situations that they may have been avoiding.

Treatment is conducted in a planned and supportive way with a clinician trained in the approach.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy is available through Rina Abrams-Dunn.

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another trauma-focused psychotherapy used in the treatment of PTSD. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation as part of a structured process for addressing distress connected to traumatic memories.

EMDR is one option, but it is not automatically the right approach for every patient.

EMDR is currently available through:

PTSD treatment is available in person at our Tucson office, with virtual appointments available across Arizona when appropriate.

How Is PTSD Treatment Chosen?

Treatment begins by understanding the person rather than automatically selecting a therapy based on the diagnosis.

Your clinician may consider:

  • Your current symptoms and concerns
  • How those concerns affect everyday life
  • Your trauma history
  • Your goals for treatment
  • Previous therapy experiences
  • Age and individual circumstances
  • Comfort and preferences
  • Your response to discussing trauma-related experiences
  • Whether a particular trauma-focused approach is clinically appropriate

For some patients, CPT, PE, or EMDR may be considered. Others may need a different treatment plan or may begin with broader trauma-informed psychotherapy before deciding whether a particular trauma-focused modality is appropriate.

Therapist taking notes during a PTSD treatment session in Tucson

What to Expect When Starting PTSD Therapy

Initial Consultation

Your first appointment provides time to discuss what you are experiencing, relevant history, current concerns, and what you would like help with.

The goal is also to determine whether Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry is an appropriate fit for your needs.

Individualized Treatment Planning

Your clinician will work with you to identify treatment priorities and discuss available approaches.

Having PTSD does not automatically mean you will receive EMDR, CPT, or Prolonged Exposure. Treatment recommendations depend on the individual.

Building Skills and Support

Depending on your needs, therapy may also include work on:

  • Grounding
  • Coping strategies
  • Emotional regulation
  • Sleep and daily routines
  • Boundaries
  • Communication and relationships

Trauma-Focused Treatment When Appropriate

If a specific trauma-focused therapy is recommended, your clinician will explain the approach and how it may fit within your treatment plan.

You do not need to arrive at your first appointment prepared to describe every detail of a traumatic experience.

PTSD treatment is available in person at our Tucson office, with virtual appointments available across Arizona when appropriate.

PTSD Treatment for Military Members, Veterans and First Responders

Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry works with military members, veterans, and first responders experiencing trauma-related mental health concerns.

Rina Abrams-Dunn spent 10 years at Davis-Monthan working as an embedded mental health professional with a rescue team that routinely deployed overseas. She provides CPT, Prolonged Exposure, and EMDR.

Jessica Olivas provides EMDR and has additional experience working within the legal system with victims of crime.

Treatment is individualized. Similar occupational experiences do not mean that every person will experience trauma in the same way or benefit from the same treatment approach.

Military veteran speaking with a therapist during a PTSD therapy session in Tucson

PTSD Treatment and Trauma Therapy Are Related, but Not the Same

Trauma therapy is a broader service than PTSD treatment.

People may seek trauma therapy because past experiences continue to affect their emotions, relationships, sense of safety, or daily functioning without meeting criteria for PTSD.

PTSD treatment is specifically focused on symptoms and difficulties associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

If trauma is affecting you but you do not have a PTSD diagnosis, our broader Trauma Therapy services may be a better place to start.

Therapy and Psychiatric Care for PTSD

Psychotherapy is an important part of PTSD treatment. For some patients, psychiatric care or medication management may also be considered as part of an individualized treatment plan.

Medication decisions are made separately with an appropriate medical provider based on the patient's symptoms, health history, other medications, and treatment goals.

PTSD Treatment in Tucson and Virtual Care Across Arizona

Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry offers in-person PTSD treatment in Tucson at our central office, with virtual appointments also available for patients across Arizona when appropriate.

Treatment options may include trauma-focused approaches such as CPT, Prolonged Exposure, and EMDR, depending on the individual, treatment goals, and clinical fit.

PTSD Treatment in Tucson

In-person PTSD treatment is available at our central Tucson office:

Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry
3110 N Swan Rd
Tucson, AZ 85712

Virtual PTSD Treatment Across Arizona

When appropriate, virtual appointments are also available to patients throughout Arizona. Online PTSD therapy can provide access to care without requiring travel to the Tucson office.

Availability and treatment approach may vary by provider and individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD Treatment

No. A person can experience trauma without developing PTSD. PTSD involves a specific pattern of symptoms and impairment that a qualified mental health professional can evaluate.

Confirmed trauma-focused treatments include:

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
  • EMDR

Other trauma-informed therapy approaches may also be used depending on the individual.

No. EMDR is one treatment option. Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry also offers CPT and Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and the appropriate approach depends on the individual.

No. You can schedule an initial consultation if you are experiencing trauma-related concerns and want help understanding what type of care may be appropriate.

If your concerns are broader than PTSD, you may also be directed toward Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry's Trauma Therapy services.

Trauma-related therapy services are generally available for patients ages 12 and older. The specific treatment approach depends on age, individual needs, and clinical fit.

PTSD treatment may be available through virtual appointments for patients throughout Arizona. Whether telehealth is appropriate depends on the individual and treatment approach.

There is no single treatment timeline that applies to everyone. Length of treatment can depend on the therapy being used, symptoms, treatment goals, previous experiences, and individual response to care.

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Healing starts with one small step. Let us walk with you.

Serving Tucson, Arizona

including Marana, Oro Valley, Vail, Rita Ranch, Green Valley, and Southern Arizona. Now available throughout the state of Arizona via virtual appointments.

  • Monday – Friday 9am to 4pm
  • Ph: 520-780-8413
  • Fax: 520-800-8413
  • 3110 N Swan Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712

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Based in Tucson, Arizona, Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry delivers personalized therapy and psychiatry: pediatric and geriatric care, EMDR, CBT/DBT, psychodynamic therapy, family counseling, couples therapy, life coaching, and medication management. In person in Tucson; virtual care across Arizona.

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The contents of this website are for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended to be used for diagnosing or treating medical conditions and do not substitute for professional medical advice.

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