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695 people sought Trauma/PTSD therapy help at Chapel Hill in the last year

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

Meet with a trauma therapist as soon as this week

5  therapists available in Chapel Hill

As a queer identified woman who has struggled with depression in the past, I understand the challenges of working to live a balanc...

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I believe every person has inherent worth and deserves a therapist they can truly connect with....

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As a woman of color, I recognize the need for support with life's daily stressors....

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As one who realizes help isn't a one-size-fits-all, I see counseling as a chance to sit with someone and gently explore their tho...

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Life is all about changes, and my goal is to provide a nonjudgmental space for you to grow and heal at your own pace....

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Christal Nelson

Hear from Christal Nelson, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)

View Christal Nelson's profile

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

My go-to approach for assisting others with PTSD/trauma is trauma-focused CBT and EMDR. The benefit of EMDR is watching the client's triggers to trauma decrease within a few sessions.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I teach the following tools in PTSD/trauma therapy: use of coping skills, deep breathing, tapping, bilateral stimulation, and guided imagery.

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

I know the client is making meaningful progress when their triggers to trauma decrease and the narrative formed during the trauma changes from victim to an empowered survivor.

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

Clients can supplement their time outside of therapy with the homework I send and/or assign them.

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

To prepare for their first PTSD/trauma therapy session, someone can practice expressing what they are and aren't comfortable with in sharing with the therapist. The sessions move at the pace of the client, not the therapist.

Starting Trauma/PTSD therapy in Chapel Hill

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 360+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our therapists and counselors in Chapel Hill accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Compsych

  • Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

  • First Health Network

  • HealthSpring | Medicare Advantage

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

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Self-pay costs at Chapel Hill
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

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★
Dr. Brooks is always own time and always gives me the opportunity for questions. He has given very sound advice. He makes me feel comfortable during sessions.
Christopher Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I saw Bonnie Kell and she is very easy to talk with. She makes you feel relaxed during the session & has interesting suggestions to try from session to session. One thing though when I sign on if I sign in more than 5 minutes early it will sign me back out & I have to sign in again, that needs some improvement. I try to show up early or on time, I do not like to rush to get onto the appointment time.
Read more I saw Bonnie Kell and she is very easy to talk with. She makes you feel relaxed during the session & has interesting suggestions to try from session to session. One thing though when I sign on if I sign in more than 5 minutes early it will sign me back out & I have to sign in again, that needs some improvement. I try to show up early or on time, I do not like to rush to get onto the appointment time.
Pamela Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Alex is extremely professional and approachable, understanding, and non-judgemental. I feel like she hears me and actually understands what I'm trying to say. Alex is easy to contact outside of sessions, and I feel like my symptoms have been improving since we started working together.
Read more Alex is extremely professional and approachable, understanding, and non-judgemental. I feel like she hears me and actually understands what I'm trying to say. Alex is easy to contact outside of sessions, and I feel like my symptoms have been improving since we started working together.
Mariah Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I found Thriveworks a year or so ago in hopes to find therapy that I could attend virtually. It was a great experience getting to look through different provider profiles and find someone that would be the best fit. I find a ton value in my sessions and feel very supported by my provider.
Read more I found Thriveworks a year or so ago in hopes to find therapy that I could attend virtually. It was a great experience getting to look through different provider profiles and find someone that would be the best fit. I find a ton value in my sessions and feel very supported by my provider.
Trevor Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I enjoy everything. Very helpful
Julie Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My growth over the past year and a half through the guidance of my provider has left me in a much healthier and happier place. I have learned to create boundaries and allow myself to not be perfect.
Melissa Jun 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I wish there were more in person options in my town. But I have really liked the therapists I've talked to over the years
Margaret Jun 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Very helpful for directing how to cope and live with my symptoms. Very nice people!!
Wesley Jun 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Chapel Hill is located near the corner of Franklin Street and Estes Drive. We currently share a building with Select Physical Therapy, Child Trends, and Grupo Gransolar, among other businesses. When you turn off of Franklin Street, to get to our office, you will pass Avance Care Chapel Hill.

Phone number

(919) 642-1031

Languages spoken by NC providers

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

Shown in ET

Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
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

Shown in ET

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