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PTSD Specialist

Dr. Messina & Associates -  - Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Messina & Associates

Clinical Psychologists & Psychiatrists located in Southlake, TX & Flower Mound, TX

PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a severe condition that can have many effects on your mental and emotional health. At Dr. Messina & Associates in Southlake, Texas, and Flower Mound, Texas, clinical psychologists specialize in treating individuals with PTSD and helps patients work through their traumatic experiences. Schedule a consultation to learn more about treatments for PTSD by calling or booking online.

PTSD Q & A

What is PTSD?

PTSD occurs when you experience or witness one or more frightening incidents and later suffer from recurrent distressing reminders of the incidents. There are four main symptoms of PTSD:

Intrusive memories

These can include mental images, intrusive disturbing memories, feelings of terror, physical sensations, smells, nightmares, and dissociative reactions or emotional numbing that remind you of the trauma you experienced. 

Changes in physical and emotional reactions

If you have PTSD, you may notice changes in your physical and emotional reactions, including heightened hypervigilant responses or a heightened state of alertness. 

Avoidance

Past trauma experiences can cause you to be constantly on guard. You may feel extremely insecure and vulnerable, and avoid reminders of the traumatic incident(s) without awareness of doing so. 

Negative changes in thinking and mood

Overwhelming distress, inability to process distress, and emotional numbing are common as is becoming emotionally disconnected from the environment and others.

What are the causes of PTSD?

PTSD is triggered by a traumatic event, such as an auto accident or the loss of a loved one. Other examples of experiences that can lead to PTSD:

  • A threatening encounter, such as being robbed
  • Experiencing a natural disaster
  • Physical assault
  • Physical abuse during childhood
  • Receiving a serious medical diagnosis
  • Sexual violence


If you have PTSD or have experienced trauma, call Dr. Messina & Associates to discuss which treatment options are right for you.

What are the treatments for PTSD?

It can be difficult to seek treatment for PTSD because talking about your trauma can be a frightening experience. 

The providers at Dr. Messina & Associates know that establishing trust and understanding is critical in providing you with a safe environment to discuss your concerns and to promote your treatment progress.

Treatment for trauma varies for each patient. The providers assess your symptoms and the impact it has on your daily life. The goal is to reduce the psychological, physical, and cognitive impairments caused by post-traumatic stress, and to help you regain stability.

Without proper treatment for PTSD, symptoms can worsen over time from repeated re-experiencing of the prior traumas and also from experiencing additional traumas resulting in seriously debilitating symptoms.

If you are suffering from PTSD or have gone through a traumatic event, call the office of Dr. Messina & Associates or schedule a consultation online.

Offering exceptional care for anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Call us to book your appointment today. 

Services

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dr. Messina & Associates, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Psychological Testing Dr. Messina & Associates, Psychological Testing

Psychological Testing

Online Counseling Dr. Messina & Associates, Online Counseling

Online Counseling

In-Person Counseling Dr. Messina & Associates, In-Person Counseling

In-Person Counseling

Psychiatry Dr. Messina & Associates, Psychiatry

Psychiatry

Telepsychiatry Dr. Messina & Associates, Telepsychiatry

Telepsychiatry

Psychiatric Medication Management Dr. Messina & Associates, Psychiatric Medication management

Psychiatric Medication Management

Anxiety Dr. Messina & Associates, Anxiety

Anxiety

Depression Dr. Messina & Associates, Depression

Depression

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Dr. Messina & Associates, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Dr. Messina & Associates, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Dr. Messina & Associates, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder Dr. Messina & Associates, Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Insomnia Dr. Messina & Associates, Insomnia

Insomnia

Panic Disorder Dr. Messina & Associates, Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder

Social Anxiety Dr. Messina & Associates, Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety

PTSD Dr. Messina & Associates, PTSD

PTSD

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder Dr. Messina & Associates, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Separation Anxiety Dr. Messina & Associates, Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety

Bipolar Disorder Dr. Messina & Associates, Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Mental Health Services Dr. Messina & Associates, Mental Health Services

Mental Health Services