Treatment for PTSD

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PTSD Treatment at SUN Behavioral Health Columbus

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can affect anyone. Whether you are a veteran, a first responder, a survivor of violence, or someone who’s witnessed or experienced trauma, PTSD can make everyday life feel overwhelming.

But you don’t have to live with the weight of trauma forever. Help is available, and healing is possible. 

What is PTSD

PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It doesn’t matter how long ago it happened trauma can leave lasting effects that impact your thoughts, emotions, behavior, and relationships.

Common sources of trauma include:

Combat or military service 
Physical or sexual assault 
Serious accidents or natural disasters 
Childhood abuse or neglect 
Loss of a loved one due to violence or tragedy

PTSD symptoms may appear shortly after a traumatic experience or surface years later. The effects can be long-lasting, but they are also treatable. 

Signs & Symptoms of PTSD

Each person’s experience with PTSD is different, but most people share symptoms in four key areas: 

 Re-Experiencing 

Nightmares or flashbacks

Intrusive, distressing thoughts

Intense emotional or physical reactions to reminders of the trauma

 Negative Mood and Thinking 

Feelings of hopelessness or emotional numbness

Difficulty feeling joy or connection

Guilt, shame, or self-blame

 Avoidance 

Avoiding people, places, or conversations that remind you of the trauma

Isolation or emotional withdrawal

 Hyperarousal 

Irritability or angry outbursts

Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

Feeling constantly on edge or easily startled

How is PTSD Treated

We offer comprehensive PTSD treatment at our Columbus facility, with care plans customized to your unique experience and goals.

 Therapy 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you process trauma and shift harmful thought patterns

Exposure Therapy: Safely confronts and reduces fear associated with memories

Group Therapy: Connect with others who understand what you’re going through

Mindfulness & Holistic Therapies: Including art, music, and pet therapy to support emotional healing

Medication 

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help relieve symptoms. Medication may be used short-term or long-term, depending on your needs and in combination with therapy.

Levels of PTSD Care We Offer

Inpatient Treatment 

For individuals needing 24/7 support and supervision, inpatient care provides intensive therapy, medication management, and a safe environment for healing.

 Outpatient Treatment 

Flexible, structured care for individuals who are stable enough to live at home or work while receiving treatment. This level includes therapy, medication management, and continued support.

We Also Treat Co-Occurring Disorders

Many people with PTSD also struggle with: 

Depression

Anxiety

Substance use disorders

Other trauma-related conditions

We take a whole-person approach—addressing all aspects of your mental health in one integrated care plan. 

Start Healing Today

You do not have to face PTSD alone. Your first step is a free, confidential assessment— available 24/7 at our hospital in person or via a Telehealth visit. You can also walk into our facility at any time.

During your assessment, we’ll talk about your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. Then, we will build a treatment plan customized just for you.

If you're in need of help, fill out this form, and a SUN representative will contact you. For emergencies, please call 614-953-5219.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PTSD be Cured?

It is possible to heal from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and that distinction is very important to make: healing versus being cured. PTSD is not a sickness or a disease, so a “cure” does not exist. Also, the road to healing from PTSD can occasionally have long stretches of struggling with and managing symptoms. There is no one thing that you can do to get past PTSD because it involves the complex human brain. So yes, you can heal from PTSD, but it may take longer than you’d like and it may look vastly different than you wish.

What Is the Best Treatment for PTSD?

There is no best treatment, but only because that would mean there is one treatment that works for everyone and works at the same level of effectiveness always. Why is that? Every person is different which not only means how someone reacts to PTSD is different, but also what treatment is best and most effective will as well. One treatment that is used regularly is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) where a therapist will help the patient focus on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It’s an evidence-based treatment, which means it’s been used over many years and has been studied, with documented scientific results. Medication can be used, such as antidepressants, but again, this largely depends on the person. Doctors and therapists also advocate using mindfulness practices like meditation. Occasionally service animals are also used as a way to increase comfort and relieve stress.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from PTSD?

This will be different for almost every person dealing with PTSD. Someone dealing with mild symptoms may heal naturally over time, but there is no real way to know exactly how long that could be. Along with no common timeline for healing, PTSD symptoms do not always show up immediately after or even relatively near the traumatic event that took place. It can sometimes be months before someone experiences PTSD symptoms, and in some cases maybe even years. And just like the symptoms can show up at different speeds, each person will heal differently. There are people who heal in weeks, some in months, and unfortunately for some it may take longer. The important thing to remember is that help exists and healing is possible.