Facilities across VA\u00a0offer a range of effective, evidence-based PTSD treatments helping Veterans rediscover hope, rebuild relationships and reclaim their lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cPTSD happens when the natural recovery process after trauma gets blocked\u2014usually through avoidance,\u201d explained Dr. Laura Meyers, program coordinator for the Trauma Recovery Team at the Orlando VA<\/a>. \u201cFor many, the trauma feels like it\u2019s still happening. Our goal is to help them start living again.\u201d<\/p>\n Core treatment options at VA facilities include Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Written Exposure Therapy (WET). Each therapy addresses PTSD differently and is tailored to the Veteran\u2019s specific needs.<\/p>\n \u201cIf a Veteran is struggling with beliefs like, \u2018I can\u2019t trust anyone,\u201d \u201cCPT may help most,\u201d said Meyers.\u00a0\u201cIf they avoid crowded places or activities, PE can address those behaviors. EMDR is often preferred by Veterans with multiple traumas because it adapts to the brain\u2019s natural healing process.\u201d<\/p>\n One Veteran\u2019s story shows how impactful the right therapy can be. After witnessing an IED blast during deployment, he carried deep guilt, believing he could have done more.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cBut around the sixth session, something clicked,\u201d Meyers said. \u201cHe looked up and said, \u2018It wasn\u2019t my fault.\u2019 From that point, his life changed.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Camellia Westwell, a psychologist at the Viera Outpatient Clinic, emphasized that recovery is not just about reducing symptoms.<\/p>\n \u201cFor every Veteran, success looks different,\u201d she said. \u201cIt might be playing with their kids, going to a graduation, or just feeling peace again. We build treatment goals around what brings them joy and meaning.\u201d<\/p>\n Long-term resilience is a key focus of treatment at the Orlando VA. \u201cWe\u2019re not just working on the past,\u201d said Westwell. \u201cWe teach coping skills Veterans can use going forward. Some may continue with group therapy or booster sessions to stay on track.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to trauma-focused therapies, Veterans can access support for related challenges such as insomnia, nightmares and emotional regulation.<\/p>\n Options like CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) offer further tools for wellness. Whole Health programs also provide holistic support.<\/p>\n Treatment can also be available virtually. \u201cVirtual care has been a game changer,\u201d said Westwell. \u201cSome Veterans feel more comfortable at home. It removes barriers like transportation, pain or work conflicts, and opens the door for those who might otherwise avoid care.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Meyers noted that about 90% of Veterans on her team now choose virtual sessions. \u201cIt\u2019s helped so many engage in treatment who might have otherwise never walked in the door,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Still, stigma remains a barrier\u2014particularly among male Veterans. \u201cThere\u2019s a belief that asking for help makes you weak,\u201d Meyers said. \u201cBut if you\u2019d be honored to help someone else, why not let others be there for you?\u201d<\/p>\n Her message to Veterans who are unsure: \u201cAsk yourself\u2014has what you\u2019ve been doing been working? If not, give us a try. Start with one step. You don\u2019t have to commit to months of therapy. Just get the information. You deserve a life worth living.\u201d<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24\/7 confidential support. You don\u2019t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net\/Chat, or text 838255.<\/p>\n It\u2019s never too late to apply for the VA health care you\u2019ve earned. If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who has not yet applied for their VA health care benefits, learn how to\u202fget started<\/a>.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\nIndividualized treatment goals<\/h2>\n
\n