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3,841 people sought PTSD/trauma therapy help at Virginia Beach 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

Good news! We have 129 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.

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?

As the subway door closed, more people had crowded into the car. Sebastian was jostled against the wall. His breathing tightened, and his heart raced. When the subway doors opened at the next stop, Sebastian ran. Sebastian’s response was a typical response to danger, but the only problem was that he was not in danger. A few months before this incident, Sebastian Junger had served a tour in a warzone, and back home and safe, he was struggling. Sebastian had PTSD, and he told his struggle to Vanity Fair. He wanted others to know what PTSD is and how to get help. Sebastian had regular panic attacks until he started meeting with a counselor. With therapy for PTSD, Sebastian healed and regained his sense of safety.

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

After a trauma, some people develop PTSD within days of the event. Others do not show signs of PTSD for months or years after. Others do not develop PTSD after a trauma. If PTSD develops and when it develops, it is often important for people to seek help because effective treatments are available that have helped many people feel safe and move forward after a trauma.

Thriveworks Virginia Beach provides therapy for PTSD, and our counselors have helped many people process their trauma and learn healthy coping skills.

PTSD: How It Develops

Why PTSD can occur in one person and not is another is not completely clear; however, mental health professionals are learning more and more about this mental illness. First, they know that PTSD has nothing to do with whether people are weak or strong. Anyone who has lived through a trauma is strong. Second, mental health professionals know that certain factors can make the illness more likely to develop. For example, these can increase a person’s risk for PTSD…

  • Experiencing any kind of trauma.
  • The way one’s brain dispenses hormones when stressed or endangered or threatened.
  • Experiencing other traumas in life—especially childhood abuse, neglect, or trauma.
  • A genetic predisposition (family history) of mental illness—especially depression and anxiety.
  • The duration and intensity of the trauma.
  • Working a job where exposure to trauma is more likely—first responders, police officers, military personnel, ER doctors, and more.
  • Little social and emotional support from friends and family members.
  • Addiction or substance abuse (past or present).

It would be impossible to list everything that fits the definition of trauma, but a few common traumas that people face include… receiving a terminal diagnosis, being bullied, sexual violence, childhood abuse (physical, sexual, or emotional), being threatened, combat exposure, physical assault, experiencing an accident (car crash, fire, et cetera), and more.

PTSD’s Effects

“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

The effects of PTSD can be organized into four categories:

Rearranging One’s life
PTSD can look like the reorganization of one’s life. People often want to avoid anything that could possibly remind them of the event. In this rearrangement, people often miss out of the good parts of their lives as well. They may…

  1. Stop going out with friends to avoid loud places or crowds or feeling trapped.
  2. Avoid riding in a car, driving, or being in a vehicle of any kind.
  3. Refuse to watch movies, TV, the news, and more.

Re-living the Event
When people have PTSD, they may re-experience the event over and over again. Without warning, they can feel as if the event or something similar is happening. People will PTSD may experience…

  1. Nightmares and terrors that are filled with anxiety and fear.
  2. Flashbacks and intrusive memories that rehash the trauma.
  3. Certain sights, smells, or sounds that trigger the feelings of the event.

Hyperarousal
PTSD can leave people constantly alert, sensing any and every potential threat. This state can leave people stressed out and exhausted. Hyperarousal can look like…

  1. Challenges with sleep, particularly insomnia.
  2. Difficulty focusing.
  3. Startling at loud noises or surprises.

Changes to One’s Beliefs and Feelings
When people live through trauma, PTSD can leave them questioning what they know and what they believe. People may come to believe and base their decisions upon thoughts like…

  1. The world is an inherently harmful place, and no one is ever safe.
  2. People are untrustworthy, and relationships are harmful.
  3. The traumatic event should be forgotten and never spoken about.

Scheduling an Appointment for PTSD at Thriveworks Virginia Beach

Have you lived through a traumatic event? Did you recognize any of the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? If so, it may be time to reach out for help. It may be time to schedule therapy for PTSD. If you are ready to find treatment, know that Thriveworks Virginia Beach offers PTSD counseling, and we have appointments available.

When you contact our office, a scheduling specialist (that is, a real person—not a voicemail) will answer and help you make an appointment. New clients often meet with their therapist within 24 hours of their first call. Weekend and evening session are offered, but you will never be put on a waitlist because we do not keep one. Many different insurance plans are accepted. Let’s work together to reestablish safety and move forward. 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 Virginia Beach therapists and counselors accept 25 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

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Virginia Beach
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

4.7 Thriveworks Virginia Beach reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I have been seeing Sharyn Ingrum for a couple months now, she is very kind and welcoming and has helped me so much. I have seen great improvement in myself since seeing her. 10/10 recommend her, she makes therapy engaging and you can feel that she truly cares about her patients.
Read more I have been seeing Sharyn Ingrum for a couple months now, she is very kind and welcoming and has helped me so much. I have seen great improvement in myself since seeing her. 10/10 recommend her, she makes therapy engaging and you can feel that she truly cares about her patients.
Virginia Beach Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve known John McAnulty for a few years, and I have to say he’s the most compassionate counselor I’ve encountered so far! He helped my husband and I through a very rough time and I’m eternally grateful. His skills and empathy for his clients is evident!
Read more I’ve known John McAnulty for a few years, and I have to say he’s the most compassionate counselor I’ve encountered so far! He helped my husband and I through a very rough time and I’m eternally grateful. His skills and empathy for his clients is evident!
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I would definitely recommend Thriveworks. Rarely can you reach for a counselor online and be able to take practical and progressive steps to work toward personal goals, growth and healing. John McAnulty Is a consummate professional, lending compassionate attention and assistance to clients as they navigate the path to well-being. I could not be more appreciative of his service.
Read more I would definitely recommend Thriveworks. Rarely can you reach for a counselor online and be able to take practical and progressive steps to work toward personal goals, growth and healing. John McAnulty Is a consummate professional, lending compassionate attention and assistance to clients as they navigate the path to well-being. I could not be more appreciative of his service.
Virginia Beach Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Nikol is top tier when it comes to professional counselors. She has the ability to connect with individuals while providing sound therapy. I have interacted with Nikol personally and professionally, and would most definitely trust my loved ones and friends in her care.
Read more Nikol is top tier when it comes to professional counselors. She has the ability to connect with individuals while providing sound therapy. I have interacted with Nikol personally and professionally, and would most definitely trust my loved ones and friends in her care.
Virginia Beach Jun 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
Read more Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
Virginia Beach Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Great session,fair priced and mr. Costigan is very friendly and knowledgable. Great help
Virginia Beach May 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
Read more This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
Virginia Beach Apr 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
Read more I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
Virginia Beach Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Virginia Beach is located off of S Independence Blvd, in a shopping center right by Lake Trashmore. As you enter this shopping center, you’ll pass Making a Difference Foundation, Inc. on your right. We currently share a building with Interm Healthcare of Virginia Beach, VA, and Bug-Masters.

Phone number

(757) 520-0827

Languages spoken by VA 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 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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