Good treatments for PTSD are available. Here are some suggestions for finding a therapist, counselor, or mental health care provider who can help your recovery.
Things to consider
Make sure the provider has experience treating people who have experienced a trauma.
Try to find a provider who specializes in evidence-based medications for PTSD or effective psychotherapy for PTSD (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT); prolonged exposure therapy (PE); or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)).
Find out what type(s) of insurance the provider accepts and what you will have to pay (out-of-pocket costs) for care.
You may find more than one therapist. We also have information about Types of Therapists and Choosing a Therapist, (en Español).
First steps
Contact your family doctor to ask for a recommendation. You can also ask friends and family if they can recommend someone.
If you have health insurance, call to find out which mental health providers your insurance company will pay for. Your insurance company may require that you choose a provider from among a list they maintain.