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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Chesterfield, VA

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

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783 people sought PTSD/trauma therapy help at Chesterfield in the last year

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS, Carelon, +20 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +5 more

As a Licensed Clinician with over 15 years experience working with children, adolescents, and families, I understand the unique challenges facing our ... As a Licensed Clinician with over 15 years experience working with children, adolescents, and families, I understand the unique challenges facing our youth today and how to utilize a variety of platforms that encourage engagement in the therapeutic process. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Carelon, Humana Exchange, Humana HMO/POS, +11 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, ADHD, +7 more

I am passionate about understanding and addressing your unique mental health needs; I am dedicated to providing a personalized outpatient therapy jour... I am passionate about understanding and addressing your unique mental health needs; I am dedicated to providing a personalized outpatient therapy journey tailored to your needs. Read more

129 more therapists available in Virginia

Give us a call to schedule your next appointment, or browse through our full list of available providers.

Starting PTSD/trauma therapy

What is PTSD/trauma therapy?

At Thriveworks, PTSD/trauma 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 PTSD/trauma 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 PTSD/trauma 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.

Need more help deciding?

With his back to a metal door and people crowding around him, Sebastian’s heart began to race. His breathing quickened, and adrenaline flooded his body. At the next stop, Sebastian did what anyone would do when they are afraid: he got off the subway and ran home. Sebastian Junger explained to Vanity Fair that even though he was home safe after serving in the military, he was suffering from panic attacks whenever he was in a crowded, small space. Sebastian had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He opened up about his struggle because he wanted others to know what PTSD is and that it has treatments. Sebastian worked with a therapist, and together, they worked through the trauma.

“Trauma is hell on earth. Trauma resolved is a gift from the gods.”
― Peter A. Levine

PTSD can occur relatively soon after someone survives a trauma. For others, it can develop months or years after. Whenever it occurs, reaching out for help may be an important step in healing. Skilled therapists can often put people in touch with effective treatments. That is why Thriveworks Chesterfield provides therapy for PTSD. It is a serious mental illness, but many people learn to heal and how to move forward, passed the trauma.

How Does PTSD Develop? Risk Factors

Not everyone who survives a traumatic event will develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Some will. Others will not. The reasons why are unclear, but several things are clear. Having PTSD has nothing to do with being weak, inadequate, or feeble. PTSD is often a sign that someone has survived and that they are strong. Mental health professionals have identified several risk factors that make PTSD’s development more likely—many of which are outside of an individual’s control. A few things that raise an individual’s risk for developing PTSD include…

  • Living through an acute or long-term trauma.
  • How an individual’s brain regulates hormones that allow them to respond to danger and threats to their safety.
  • Genetic and family history, particularly if a history of anxiety and depression exists.
  • What kind of trauma was experienced, particularly the intensity of it.
  • Other trauma an individual has experienced throughout life, especially childhood trauma and abuse.
  • Working in a profession where one is potentially exposed to trauma: military personnel, police officers, first responders, ER doctors, etcetera.
  • Current or previous substance abuse or addiction.
  • Anemic support systems, particularly estrangement from family members and friends.

There is no formula for what traumatic experiences can develop into PTSD, and no list could contain every kind of trauma. A few of common traumas include: being threatened, receiving a terminal diagnosis, combat exposure, being bullied, physical assault, sexual violence, experiencing an accident (car crash, fire, et cetera), childhood abuse (physical, sexual, or emotional), and more.

Signs and Symptoms for PTSD

“Very minor threats can be experienced, by what the signals in your body tell you, as, ‘You’re in acute danger’”
—Sandra Bloom, former president of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies

PTSD has four different categories of signs and symptoms:

Rearranging One’s life
At times, PTSD can look like an individual who goes to great lengths to avoid anything and everything remotely associated with the trauma. People with PTSD often rearrange their lives, and in the process, they may cut out the good and the bad. For example, they may

  1. Avoid meeting up with friends because they want to avoid crowds and feeling trapped.
  2. Refuse to ride in a vehicle or drive a car.
  3. Stop watching TV, movies, and the news.

Re-living the Event
PTSD may also look like reliving the trauma again and again. At unforeseen and inopportune times, people with PTSD may be thrown into the emotions and images of the event. Often, reliving the event looks like…

  1. Having intrusive memories and flashbacks that feel like the event is currently happening.
  2. Night terrors and nightmares where people wake up in fear and anxiety.
  3. Triggers—certain sounds, sights, or smells that conjure the trauma and its emotions.

Hyperarousal
Even when people are safe from the trauma, they may still feel alert to the danger that they experienced. They may have…

  1. Challenges concentrating on the task at hand.
  2. Difficulty sleeping.
  3. A quick startle response to surprises or loud noises.

Changing One’s Feeling and Beliefs
A traumatic event can alter people’s beliefs and feelings about the world and themselves, giving them a number of untrue and unhelpful thought patterns. When people develop PTSD, they may begin to think that…

  1. No one can be trusted, and every relationship is dangerous.
  2. The world is always and forever unsafe.
  3. They have to forget about the trauma to move forward.

Setting Up an Appointment for PTSD at Thriveworks Chesterfield

If you have experienced trauma of any kind, consider reaching out for help. If you recognized any of the symptoms of PTSD, know that you are not alone. The therapists at Thriveworks Chesterfield have worked with many people who are strong. They are survivors, and they have PTSD. We have helped many find the treatment they need to feel safe again.

When you call our offices to schedule an appointment, you may be meeting with a therapist the following day. We accept many forms of insurance, and weekend and evening sessions are offered. We do not keep a waitlist, so we never put our clients on one. Let’s work together. Call today.

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 Chesterfield therapists and counselors accept 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

Show more
Self-pay costs at Chesterfield
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

4.8 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I have not felt great after two days on the medication prescribed for me on Saturday. But, my psychologist is amazing she listens and is friendly. Had amazing experience and advice to give out to me.
Read more I have not felt great after two days on the medication prescribed for me on Saturday. But, my psychologist is amazing she listens and is friendly. Had amazing experience and advice to give out to me.
Hannah Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I was so nervous about going to therapy being that I’ve never foresaw a reason or need to go… I had encountered a very traumatic accident at work and it left me confused and depressed about my career path! I can honestly say if it weren’t for Ariane I’d still be left battling confusion and and depression from my accident. I’ve suffered anxiety and panic attacks from the incident but Ari has given me helpful tips to get through my tough times when I’m experiencing those attacks. I’m just so grateful to have encountered a very experienced and understanding counselor who genuinely has my best interest at a full recovery at heart!
Read more I was so nervous about going to therapy being that I’ve never foresaw a reason or need to go… I had encountered a very traumatic accident at work and it left me confused and depressed about my career path! I can honestly say if it weren’t for Ariane I’d still be left battling confusion and and depression from my accident. I’ve suffered anxiety and panic attacks from the incident but Ari has given me helpful tips to get through my tough times when I’m experiencing those attacks. I’m just so grateful to have encountered a very experienced and understanding counselor who genuinely has my best interest at a full recovery at heart!
Chesterfield Nov 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
This was my first therapy experience. I was in desperate need for help. Jenee was my therapist for a year and I can’t overstate how incredibly helpful she has been. She met me where I was mentally and helped me to find myself and healthy/productive ways of dealing with my everyday struggles. I’m a completely different and happier person thanks to her hard work.
Read more This was my first therapy experience. I was in desperate need for help. Jenee was my therapist for a year and I can’t overstate how incredibly helpful she has been. She met me where I was mentally and helped me to find myself and healthy/productive ways of dealing with my everyday struggles. I’m a completely different and happier person thanks to her hard work.
Chesterfield Feb 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Ramona Peters at Thriveworks is the most empathetic person and amazing social worker. She is prompt, considerate, compassionate and so insightful. Her love for people and her ability to connect truly shine through in my encounters with her. She has real life experience and such a truthful yet kind and humanitarian way of helping people look at and solve dilemas and overcome day to day obstacles in life. Would highly recommend!
Read more Ramona Peters at Thriveworks is the most empathetic person and amazing social worker. She is prompt, considerate, compassionate and so insightful. Her love for people and her ability to connect truly shine through in my encounters with her. She has real life experience and such a truthful yet kind and humanitarian way of helping people look at and solve dilemas and overcome day to day obstacles in life. Would highly recommend!
Chesterfield Oct 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Lottie Ampy is an excellent therapist and psychologist, who has served in the counseling and psychology field for many years. I have had the opportunity to work with her in the community and have seen her skills in action first hand, whether for crisis situations or generalized therapy for individuals or families. She has many talents and skills, but especially excels helping others to reach their personalized goals when in midst of going through difficult times. She is an excellent clinician and is also aware of local and regional resources. She delivers caring, compassionate services and is a clinician/psychologist who can work with you, right where you are. She is an asset to the Thriveworks team. Dr. Ampy renders 5*+ services to all she encounters.
Read more Dr. Lottie Ampy is an excellent therapist and psychologist, who has served in the counseling and psychology field for many years. I have had the opportunity to work with her in the community and have seen her skills in action first hand, whether for crisis situations or generalized therapy for individuals or families. She has many talents and skills, but especially excels helping others to reach their personalized goals when in midst of going through difficult times. She is an excellent clinician and is also aware of local and regional resources. She delivers caring, compassionate services and is a clinician/psychologist who can work with you, right where you are. She is an asset to the Thriveworks team. Dr. Ampy renders 5*+ services to all she encounters.
Chesterfield Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Ramona is a wonderful social worker with a calming presence. She makes you feel heard and respected, while also helping you reflect and move forward.
Read more Ramona is a wonderful social worker with a calming presence. She makes you feel heard and respected, while also helping you reflect and move forward.
Chesterfield Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Ms. Stefanie is an absolute therapy guru! She helped me tremendously with communicating more effectively in my relationships. She is unbiased, a great listener, and was very thorough in explaining the different techniques that I could use to maximize my efforts in communicating better. The guidance I received from Ms. Stefanie truly influenced a major part of my personal growth.
Read more Ms. Stefanie is an absolute therapy guru! She helped me tremendously with communicating more effectively in my relationships. She is unbiased, a great listener, and was very thorough in explaining the different techniques that I could use to maximize my efforts in communicating better. The guidance I received from Ms. Stefanie truly influenced a major part of my personal growth.
Chesterfield Jun 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Allison Jackson is a compassionate and highly-skilled professional. Her education and vast experience allow her to meet the needs of her clients in a cooperative and dynamic manner. Specializing in trauma and in transforming lives, Dr. Jackson listens to your needs and supports you in finding a better future. Couples and families will find she listens to all perspectives in reaching healthy, unified goals. When engaging with her for therapy, you will receive outstanding service.
Read more Dr. Allison Jackson is a compassionate and highly-skilled professional. Her education and vast experience allow her to meet the needs of her clients in a cooperative and dynamic manner. Specializing in trauma and in transforming lives, Dr. Jackson listens to your needs and supports you in finding a better future. Couples and families will find she listens to all perspectives in reaching healthy, unified goals. When engaging with her for therapy, you will receive outstanding service.
Chesterfield Jun 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Across the street is Simple Intervention and Huff Poole & Mahoney PC legal services. Next door is Branches of Life and the office of dentist Sasala Albert. There is also a Starbucks in the parking lot, as well as First Watch restaurant and TowneBank.

Phone number

(804) 375-5195

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

Shown in ET

Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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