PTSD Treatment Resources

Treatment

Treatment can significantly help with the symptoms of PTSD and improve quality of life. People can look for treatment, or support in accessing treatment, through the following organizations:

• The Health Resources & Services Administration is a federally-funded health center that bases costs on a person’s income. Many of the centers have services for mental health.
• HealthCare.gov is a government agency that provides health insurance for those who meet low-income requirements.
• ClinicalTrials.gov is a website that lists clinical trials studying PTSD. This type of research involves people volunteering to participate in studies that evaluate new treatments. While the trials are free, they may have related costs.
• The Gavin Farrell Foundation seeks to increase access of individuals with PTSD to highly effective treatment through subsidizing two evidence-based psychotherapies.
• The Open Path Psychotherapy Collective provides a directory of therapists who lower their rates on a sliding scale and base them on someone’s income.
• PTSD and Car Accidents Guide by NST Law offers comprehensive information on the link between PTSD and car accidents, including legal and therapeutic resources.

Immediate Support

Several helplines or hotlines offer immediate support, including:

• The Crisis Text Line: Individuals experiencing a PTSD flashback may speak to a trained crisis counselor through the Crisis Text Line by texting CONNECT to 741741.
• The 988 Lifeline: The 988 hotline provides trained crisis counselors to help with mental health distress, including difficulties related to PTSD.
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: This group offers guidance for people with suicidal thoughts at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Suicide Prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

• Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
• Listen to the person without judgment.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
• Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
• Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

PTSD Support Groups

Support groups can help people cope with PTSD by giving them a space to talk and connect with others who have similar experiences.

People may find an in-person or online support group through the following organizations:

• The Anxiety & Depression Association of America
• The National Alliance on Mental Health
• The National Center for PTSD
• The CPTSD Foundation
• The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies