PTSD
PTSD services offered in Mesa, AZ
If a traumatic experience continues to affect how you feel and function every day, turn to Blue Water Psychiatry in Mesa, Arizona. Board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners Justin McKinley, PMHNP-BC, Susan Bowen, PMHNP-BC, and their experienced staff offer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments to help you gain control of your thoughts and behaviors. To schedule a consultation, call the office or use the online booking feature today.
PTSD Q & A
FAQ
PTSD is a common type of anxiety disorder that may develop after you undergo a traumatic life experience. If symptoms like depression, anxiety, flashbacks, or nightmares don’t resolve on their own over time, see the Blue Water Psychiatry team for an evaluation. They offer empathetic support and expert treatments to those struggling with PTSD symptoms.
The common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Constant fear, and worry
- Getting startled easily
- Always being on guard
- Difficulty sleeping
- Distressing memories
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Hopelessness
The earlier you seek treatment for PTSD, the faster you can find the healing you need to move forward in your life. Symptoms of PTSD may worsen over time if left untreated.
Past trauma is the main risk factor for developing PTSD. You could have PTSD symptoms after:
- Losing a loved one
- Being a first responder
- Experienced sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
- Participating in military combat
- Being in a car accident or a natural disaster
Your PTSD risk also increases with a family history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges.
To find out if you have PTSD and to treat it properly, the Blue Water Psychiatry team completes a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, medications, and lifestyle habits. If you have depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition in addition to PTSD, the team can make sure to treat any co-existing conditions.
The common treatments for PTSD include:
Exposure therapy
Exposure to PTSD triggers over time helps gradually improve the way you respond to situations associated with uncomfortable memories.
Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR uses specialized eye movements to help you overcome distressing thoughts and emotions.
Medicines
Blue Water Psychiatry offers medication management to alleviate unpleasant symptoms associated with PTSD. They can also prescribe medications for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Psychotherapy
The Blue Water Psychiatry team also provides exceptional psychotherapy, or talk therapy, to help you overcome uncomfortable PTSD symptoms.
To find a PTSD treatment option that best suits your needs, call Blue Water Psychiatry or book a consultation online today.
Healing from Trauma Is Possible
Whether you’re a first responder, military veteran, or survivor of abuse or trauma, PTSD can affect your mind and body long after the event. We’re here to help you regain control and feel safe again.
Our Trauma-Informed Approach
- EMDR Therapy for deep trauma processing
- Medication Support for mood, sleep, and anxiety symptoms
- Safe Therapeutic Space led by clinicians trained in trauma care
- Long-Term Support focused on resilience and recovery
PTSD Isn’t Just for Combat Veterans
While PTSD is commonly associated with military trauma, it can also result from car accidents, abuse, loss, or medical emergencies. No matter the cause, your experience is valid—and we’re here to help you process and heal.
Our Satisfied Customers: See What They’re Saying
Working with Justin has truly been life-changing. Justin is laid-back and immediately puts you at ease. He is very insightful and understands where you are coming from. Justin has taken great care with my medication management, works towards my goals, and has been the only provider in over 10 years to get amazing results on so few medications. I thank Justin for helping me get my life back! Thank you, Justin!
Amazing practice. From our first meeting I felt like I'd known Justin for years! His office staff responds quickly to emails and phone calls and I'm always able to get in for an appointment as soon as I need one.
My son has been going to Justin for a couple years now and I couldn't imagine seeing anyone else! He is professional, attentive to our needs, and so kind! We are so thankful we found Justin!! Highly recommend him.
I thought Jolene took the time to hear my issues. She offered great insight. She took the time to evaluate the best medication options that might help through this difficult time. I would recommend her.
Jolene was AWESOME!!! She was very thorough and detailed; however, very informal and inviting. She made me feel welcome immediately; and, I truly felt she understood my questions. Her guidance was most definitely focused on my needs and concerns. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone who asked me my thoughts.
I have had nothing short of an amazing experience at Blue Water Psychiatry more specifically with Jolene. I am so thankful that I made the decision to ask for help. She listened to me and my situation and assessed my needs. In the past 6 months since first seeing Jolene I feel exponentially better than I did upon starting. Thankful for her direction and input. Absolutely recommend!
Jolene is fantastic! She's not just knowledgeable about medications, but she also creates a welcoming environment that puts patients at ease. Her caring approach truly makes a difference!
I’ve seen Susan for almost a year now and my partner sees Justin. These providers have completely changed our lives, they are compassionate, knowledgeable and very thorough. They are VERY experienced and efficient, but never make you feel rushed... I will always recommend anyone in this wonderful practice. They are the best.
It can be confusing, stressful, and a little unsettling when you’re looking into this type of care. I was pleasantly surprised to not feel one bit uncomfortable, and actually felt a sigh of relief from the very first visit and after leaving. I am so happy that we found her.
