After a frightening or dangerous experience, it’s natural to feel shaken for a while. For some people, the fear doesn’t fade — flashbacks, nightmares, and feeling constantly on guard persist for months. That may be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and it’s treatable, including through online therapy.
Ready to talk to someone about it?
Online-Therapy.com connects you with a licensed therapist for sessions by video, voice, or text, plus a structured CBT program. Use code THERAPY20 for 20% off your first month.
Explore online support for PTSD →Sponsored link · Cancel anytime · Not an emergency service — in crisis, call or text 988
Signs of PTSD
According to NIMH, symptoms of PTSD can include:
- Re-experiencing: flashbacks, nightmares, frightening thoughts
- Avoidance: staying away from places, events, or reminders of the experience
- Arousal and reactivity: being easily startled, feeling tense or on edge, trouble sleeping, angry outbursts
- Cognition and mood: trouble remembering parts of the event, negative thoughts about yourself or the world, guilt or blame, loss of interest
NIMH notes that symptoms usually begin within three months of the trauma but can start later, and that a diagnosis requires symptoms lasting more than a month and affecting daily life.
Treatments that work
The American Psychological Association’s clinical practice guideline strongly recommends four psychotherapies for PTSD: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), cognitive therapy (CT), and prolonged exposure (PE). It conditionally recommends others, including brief eclectic psychotherapy, EMDR, and narrative exposure therapy. Medication is another option to discuss with a doctor.
Ready to talk to someone about it?
Online-Therapy.com connects you with a licensed therapist for sessions by video, voice, or text, plus a structured CBT program. Use code THERAPY20 for 20% off your first month.
Explore online support for PTSD →Sponsored link · Cancel anytime · Not an emergency service — in crisis, call or text 988
Can PTSD be treated online?
Trauma-focused therapies can be delivered by telehealth, and the VA offers them to eligible veterans. When choosing a private online service, ask your therapist directly about their training in trauma-focused treatment such as CPT or PE. Online-Therapy.com offers therapy built around CBT with sessions by video, voice, or text; for complex or severe trauma, a specialist trauma therapist or VA care may be a better starting point. Veterans, see online therapy for veterans.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best therapy for PTSD?
The APA guideline strongly recommends CBT, cognitive processing therapy, cognitive therapy, and prolonged exposure.
Can online therapy help with PTSD?
Yes, trauma-focused therapy can be delivered by telehealth. Choose a therapist trained in evidence-based PTSD treatment.
How long after trauma can PTSD start?
Symptoms usually begin within three months but can appear later, according to NIMH.
Ready to talk to a licensed therapist?
Online-Therapy.com pairs you with a licensed therapist, weekly live sessions by video, voice or text (Standard plan and up), and a step-by-step CBT program. Use code THERAPY20 for 20% off your first month.
Get started with Online-Therapy.com →Sponsored link · Cancel anytime · Not an emergency service — in crisis, call or text 988
Sources
- NIMH: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- APA Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of PTSD: Treatments
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: National Center for PTSD
- Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1)
- SAMHSA: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline