Trauma and PTSD psychiatrist in Kansas and Missouri

What PTSD can look like

After a frightening or overwhelming experience, it is common for the mind and body to stay on alert. PTSD is diagnosed when that reaction lasts more than a month and gets in the way of life. The main groups of symptoms are intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks; avoiding reminders, places, or conversations; changes in mood and beliefs, such as guilt, shame, numbness, or feeling cut off from others; and being keyed up, with poor sleep, irritability, a strong startle, or trouble concentrating.

Trauma does not have to be a single dramatic event. Repeated stress, medical emergencies, accidents, sudden loss, and experiences in childhood can all leave a lasting mark. Many people with PTSD also live with depression, anxiety, panic, or heavy drinking, and those deserve attention too.

Symptoms can come and go. Anniversaries, news stories, a smell, or a tone of voice can bring them back months or years later, which is a normal part of how traumatic memory works rather than a sign of weakness.

Treatment options for PTSD

Trauma-focused psychotherapies such as cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE) have strong research support. Certain antidepressants, especially SSRIs and SNRIs, are also evidence-based and can ease intrusive symptoms, low mood, and hyperarousal. Recovery is common, even after many years of symptoms.

Dr. Brown's approach

Dr. Brown combines medication with ongoing psychodynamic therapy. Medication can take the edge off symptoms like hyperarousal and poor sleep, while therapy makes room to understand how the experience still shapes relationships, work, and the way you see yourself.

The first visit

The first appointment is a video evaluation of about 90–100 minutes. It includes a review of symptoms, sleep, substance use, physical health, daily habits, medications you have tried, the people who support you, and more. You leave with a plan. Join from a private spot while you are in Kansas or Missouri.

Do I have to talk about the trauma in detail at the first visit?

No. You decide how much to share.

Can nightmares and sleep problems be treated?

Often, yes. Sleep and nightmares are usually one of the first things Dr. Brown works on.