http://Thriveworks%20Verywell%20Mind%20Award%20Logo%20for%20Best%20Online%20Trauma%20Counseling%202025
http://Best%20Online%20Therapy%20Services%20Award%20from%20Yahoo!

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, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +20 more
Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Anxiety, +3 more

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +4 more
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +4 more

I believe in working collaboratively with my clients, meeting them where they are and utilizing strengths to explore solutions.

77 more therapists available in Massachusetts

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

Stephen Medina

Hear from Stephen Medina, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

View Stephen Medina's profile

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

My go-to approach for helping people with trauma-focused therapy involves psychoeducation, coping skills, and processing trauma. I find the best benefit in assisting the client in understanding the nature of trauma and recognizing the importance of the mind-body connection.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I teach the following tools in trauma-focused therapy:

  • Psychoeducation regarding symptoms
  • Coping skills to reduce symptoms
  • Empowering clients to make changes
  • Supportive validation and empathy

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

I know a client is making meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy when they are able to access the coping skills we discuss in sessions.

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

Clients can utilize the tools we discuss in sessions and implement them in between. It is also helpful to think ahead and plan to recognize triggers and ways to manage the triggers of trauma-related symptoms.

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

To prepare for your first therapy session, you can think about what you wish to accomplish in treatment and set your goals. Additionally, you can always ask questions. My firm belief is that the client is the one driving treatment; I am just the individual who helps them get to where they would like to be after treatment is done.

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 Salem 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

Show more
Self-pay costs at Salem
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

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Tim is an awesome listener! He remembers conversations that we've had and will bring them up as a gage to of the progress I've made. I would recommend him to anyone who is considering therapy!
Mikelyn Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Flexibility for evening and weekends was really important to me seeking out therapy. The availability alone for Timothy was a positive for keeping him as my provider, in addition to the understanding he has for allowing me to express feelings and opinions at my workplace which is the primary stressor as an educator.
Read more Flexibility for evening and weekends was really important to me seeking out therapy. The availability alone for Timothy was a positive for keeping him as my provider, in addition to the understanding he has for allowing me to express feelings and opinions at my workplace which is the primary stressor as an educator.
Sebastian Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Ken is a great therapist. Made a connection right away and has helped me through a very dark time
Douglas Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Lisa is really thoughtful and has such great information.. She has helped me extremely well although I don't think that sentence is synthetically correct.
Steph Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I felt heard and that continuing was going to be beneficial to me
Joseph Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I appreciate the helpful insights/perspective and supportive suggestions, therapeutic tools, compassionate understanding, and honest feedback/coaching that my therapist provides each session, which is helping me to learn to reframe my thoughts/experiences in healthier ways and practice greater self-compassion.
Read more I appreciate the helpful insights/perspective and supportive suggestions, therapeutic tools, compassionate understanding, and honest feedback/coaching that my therapist provides each session, which is helping me to learn to reframe my thoughts/experiences in healthier ways and practice greater self-compassion.
Judy Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have had difficulty finding a therapist I clicked with in the past. They were either too afraid of losing clients or they'd promote unhealthy coping mechanisms. This was my first time going to a therapist where it felt like I was working with a professional who knew what he was doing and had the resources and know-how to help. It's been an extremely helpful experience over the last two years- I don't know if I'd be in the place I'm at without it
Read more I have had difficulty finding a therapist I clicked with in the past. They were either too afraid of losing clients or they'd promote unhealthy coping mechanisms. This was my first time going to a therapist where it felt like I was working with a professional who knew what he was doing and had the resources and know-how to help. It's been an extremely helpful experience over the last two years- I don't know if I'd be in the place I'm at without it
Shane Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Lisa is amazing. She takes the time to listen and makes me feel as though I can share anything with her. She knows how to take it in and approach the matter without making me feel less than or worse for sharing. Plus she is extremely knowledgeable. . The only thing I would like to see, and this has nothing to do with Lisa, would be like sick time or something I could build or have for times something would come up and i couldn't make an appointment. I understand this can't be an option for all, but if you have been with the program for a year plus and have weekly meetings that you do make it to, I just feel as though the program should beable to work with you if you show that you are serious about it. That's all. Thank you. -Kevin
Read more Lisa is amazing. She takes the time to listen and makes me feel as though I can share anything with her. She knows how to take it in and approach the matter without making me feel less than or worse for sharing. Plus she is extremely knowledgeable. . The only thing I would like to see, and this has nothing to do with Lisa, would be like sick time or something I could build or have for times something would come up and i couldn't make an appointment. I understand this can't be an option for all, but if you have been with the program for a year plus and have weekly meetings that you do make it to, I just feel as though the program should beable to work with you if you show that you are serious about it. That's all. Thank you. -Kevin
Kevin Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Salem is located in McIntire Historic District on Washington St. where it intersects with Lynde St. We share a building with MassHire North Shore Career Center - Salem, Koto Grill & Sushi, and other businesses.

Phone number

(978) 637-8213

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
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 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

7 photos

Nearby cities where we also offer trauma & ptsd counseling

Find a provider ...