How trauma can show up
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks or nightmares
- Avoiding people, places or reminders of what happened
- Feeling on edge, easily startled or constantly scanning for danger
- Numbness, detachment, guilt or shame
- Trouble sleeping, irritability or difficulty concentrating
- In children: re-enacting events in play, new fears, regression or behavior changes
Trauma-informed from the first visit
You don't have to share every detail of what happened for us to help. Trauma-informed care means you set the pace, you're told what to expect, and your sense of safety and control is respected throughout.
A whole-person approach
At Joy Integrative Psychiatry, the evaluation looks beyond a symptom checklist. We consider sleep and nightmares, physical health effects of chronic stress, alcohol and other coping strategies, and co-occurring depression or anxiety, along with sleep, stress, physical health, current medications and what's happening at home, school or work. That fuller picture helps separate the true drivers of symptoms from things that simply look similar, and it leads to a plan that fits your life.
What treatment may include
- Trauma-focused therapy (such as CPT, PE or EMDR), which is the core treatment for PTSD. We coordinate with your therapist or help you find one.
- Medication when appropriate, to reduce anxiety, depression, hyperarousal or trauma-related nightmares
- Sleep-focused care, because restoring sleep often makes everything else more manageable
- Ongoing follow-up with a consistent clinician
Common questions
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No. Psychiatric care focuses on current symptoms and how they affect your life. You share what you're comfortable sharing.
Can medication help PTSD?
Medication can reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, sleep disruption and nightmares. It works best alongside trauma-focused therapy.
Do you work with veterans and first responders?
Yes, we see adults from many backgrounds, including veterans and first responders, anywhere in Arizona. Please check your insurance coverage with us before your first visit.