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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Cambridge, MA

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance. Scheduling is easy — call our team and they’ll help you find your perfect match.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting Trauma/PTSD therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +4 more
Narcissism, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, +16 more

As a trained physician, experienced oriental medicine practitioner, and PhD medical researcher, I believe in a holistic approach to physical, mental, ... As a trained physician, experienced oriental medicine practitioner, and PhD medical researcher, I believe in a holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual health. Read more

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +24 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +12 more

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +24 more
Stress, Women’s Issues, OCD / Obsessive-Compulsive, Sleep / Insomnia, Anxiety, +2 more

I understand the complex and dynamic needs associated with mental health challenges—and can help you fulfill those needs.

Leyla Derbali

Hear from Leyla Derbali, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

View Leyla Derbali's profile

What is your go-to approach for PTSD/trauma therapy?

My go-to approach for helping people in trauma therapy is creating a safe and contained place where clients can start slowly processing trauma.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I teach the following tools in trauma therapy:

  • distress tolerance
  • mindfulness
  • grounding skills
  • emotion identification
  • identifying and challenging negative self-talk and cognitive distortions

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in trauma therapy when clients feel safer, more contained, and better able to process trauma with decreasing dysregulation.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement PTSD/trauma therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in trauma therapy by practicing the skills learned in sessions.

What should someone do to prepare for starting PTSD/trauma therapy?

To prepare for their first trauma therapy session, someone can identify their struggles and the impact trauma is having on their lives, including the symptoms they are experiencing, and think about their goals for therapy.

Starting Trauma/PTSD therapy

What is PTSD/trauma therapy?

At Thriveworks, Trauma/PTSD therapy involves dedicated efforts to address and navigate through past and/or recent traumatic events. Therapists specializing in trauma create a secure environment to process and heal from these experiences, aiming to reduce trauma-related symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.

How does PTSD/trauma therapy work?

Our Thriveworks providers use Trauma/PTSD therapy treatments like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing EMDR, CBT, and exposure therapy with the goal of helping clients process the traumatic events they have experienced so that they can to start feeling safe and secure again.

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can vary but often include:

  • Flashbacks and distressing memories of the traumatic event
  • Nightmares and sleep disturbances
  • Intense anxiety and irritability
  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
  • Negative changes in mood and thought patterns
  • Increased arousal, like difficulty concentrating or exaggerated startle response

How do you overcome PTSD triggers?

The best way to overcome PTSD triggers is to seek the assistance of a professional therapist, such as those at Thriveworks, who can help you to understand and treat your PTSD triggers.

What type of therapist is best for PTSD?

In most cases, a therapist who specializes in Trauma/PTSD therapy is the best type of mental health professional to address the symptoms of PTSD.

Is PTSD/trauma therapy conducted in person or online?

PTSD/trauma therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long should you go to therapy for PTSD?

If a client is working through a single traumatic event that occurred as an adult, trauma or PTSD therapy may only take a few months, but in general, it can take a year or more to effectively treat trauma symptoms and PTSD. The duration of treatment is highly dependent on the client and the severity of their symptoms.

How successful is therapy for PTSD?

The success rate of therapy for PTSD depends entirely on the individual’s symptoms, commitment to attending sessions, and personal abilities.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Cambridge therapists and counselors accept 23 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Carelon | Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health | Medicare Advantage

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

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Self-pay costs at Cambridge
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.6 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
The therapist asked thoughtful questions and her responses were thoughtful and professional. It showed her understanding of mental health issues
Sharon Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
She listened to me. The first time we met she asked me all sorts of questions and then sat back and let me talk. She was THE FIRST to really listen and diagnose me. Once I had the diagnosis, my best friend and I said finally. I'm now on medication and feel like I'm functioning fully for the first time in years.
Read more She listened to me. The first time we met she asked me all sorts of questions and then sat back and let me talk. She was THE FIRST to really listen and diagnose me. Once I had the diagnosis, my best friend and I said finally. I'm now on medication and feel like I'm functioning fully for the first time in years.
Nicole Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Very good attention to detail and caring about my life. I really appreciate everything.
Pierre Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I love my provider (Karissa Peoples). She is very thoughtful, professional and understanding. She has done wonders for my mental health and inner peace. 10/10
Joseph Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My provider has given me tools to work through my challenges.
Alicia Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Marissa does great work, especially given that our appointments are just 30 minutes
Benjamin Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The patient can talk to his/her doctor using Zoom. It saves time and traveling.
Joseph Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The honesty of my therapist and how I am always excepted with them.
Robert Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Cambridge is located off of Massachusetts Ave, on the north side of the Charles River. Our office is in the Cambridge Tower next to Apollo Travel and Tours, Tanjore, and Cambridge Premier Realty. The closest bus stop is Massachusetts Ave opp Lee St. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(617) 380-4651

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Creole
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Mandarin
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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