HometownMindFinding Help for PTSD and Trauma in California
Find mental health providers in California who can help with ptsd & trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a frightening or overwhelming experience. Trauma-focused therapies are highly effective, and recovery is possible even years after the event.
PTSD and trauma are highly treatable with trauma-focused therapies such as CPT, prolonged exposure, and EMDR, sometimes combined with medication. Recovery is possible even years after the event. On HometownMind you can find providers who specialize in trauma, or get matched with one for free.
Information current as of October 2026. General education, not medical advice.
PTSD & Trauma providers in California
Mental health providers are licensed by state, so your care needs to come from someone licensed in California. These providers practice there and treat a range of conditions, including ptsd & trauma. Not sure who fits best? Get matched free for a personalized recommendation, or choose a different state.
Guy Albert, PHD
Ken D. Davis, PHD
William Haddad, LFMT
Dr. Elena Vasquez, PsyD
Uchechi Nwosu-Iroha, NP, PMHNP
CRISTINA LUGO, LPC
Richard Giovannoli, PHD
Dr. Priya Raman, MD
Noel Brassett, NP
Michelle Brown, RNC, WHCNP, PMHNP
Kendra Foreman, NP
Sandra McKee, PMHNP-BC
Elena Wilson, PMHNP-BC
Tara Valenzuela, PMHNP-BC
Morgan Anderson, PA-C
Adam Arsenault, PMH-NP
Melissa Bregante, RN, PMHNP
Joshua Burgett, NP
Austin Chandler, APRN
Andrea Cook, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Yanique Dias, NP, PMHNP-BC
Zinata Dwumfour, NP
Kehinde Elemuren, NP
Crystal Eze, PMHNP-BC
Find ptsd & trauma providers in another state
Common signs
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Avoiding reminders of the event
- Feeling on guard, easily startled, or emotionally numb
- Negative shifts in mood, beliefs, or sense of safety
How ptsd & trauma is treated
Trauma-focused therapy
Evidence-based methods such as CPT, prolonged exposure, and EMDR help the brain process traumatic memories safely.
Medication support
Prescribers can help manage co-occurring depression, anxiety, or sleep problems that often accompany trauma.
Stabilization and skills
Grounding, sleep, and emotion-regulation skills create a stable base for deeper trauma work.
Which provider treats ptsd & trauma?
Look for a provider trained in trauma-focused, evidence-based therapies and experienced with your type of trauma. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe and manage medication, while therapists provide talk therapy such as CBT. Many people work with both.
| Psychiatrist | Psychiatric nurse practitioner | Therapist | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can prescribe medication | Yes | Yes | No |
| Typical training | Medical degree (MD or DO) plus a psychiatry residency | Graduate nursing degree (MSN or DNP) with psychiatric certification | Master's or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, or social work |
| Primary focus | Diagnosis and medication management | Diagnosis and medication management | Talk therapy and counseling |
| Often best for | Complex or severe conditions and medication needs | Medication management, frequently with shorter wait times | Talk therapy, coping skills, and ongoing support |
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective therapy for PTSD?
Trauma-focused, evidence-based therapies (cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, and EMDR) are the most effective treatments for PTSD. They help the brain process traumatic memories safely.
Can PTSD be treated years after the trauma?
Yes. Trauma-focused therapy can be effective even when the event happened years or decades earlier. It is never too late to seek help and recover.
Do I need medication for PTSD?
Not always. Many people recover with trauma-focused therapy alone. Medication can help manage co-occurring depression, anxiety, or sleep problems, and your provider can advise whether it is right for you.
Authoritative resources
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) — US government health information on mental-health conditions
- SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) — Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 in the US for free, confidential crisis support
Other conditions
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