PTSD & Trauma-Related Treatment

Traumatic experiences can affect mental health in many different ways.

Some people experience symptoms shortly after an event, while others notice changes weeks, months, or even years later.

Clear Sky Wellness, PLLC provides psychiatric evaluation and treatment for patients experiencing PTSD and other trauma-related symptoms.

Symptoms of PTSD and Trauma

Symptoms may include:

• Intrusive memories
• Nightmares
• Avoiding reminders of the event
• Increased startle response
• Feeling constantly alert
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Sleep disturbance
• Emotional numbness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in mood
• Feeling detached from others
• Difficulty relaxing
• Depression

Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, and symptoms can vary significantly from person to person.

PTSD Evaluation

A psychiatric evaluation considers symptoms within the context of the individual’s overall mental and physical health.

Evaluation may include:

• Current symptoms
• Trauma history when clinically relevant
• Sleep
• Anxiety and depression
• Current medications
• Medical history
• Occupational stress
• Substance use
• Relationships and support systems
• Daily functioning
• Previous treatment

Patients are not expected to disclose unnecessary details of traumatic events simply to receive psychiatric care.

PTSD Treatment

Treatment may include:

• Psychiatric medication management
• Trauma-focused therapy recommendations
• Sleep-related treatment strategies
• Anxiety and depression treatment
• Education about trauma responses
• Ongoing psychiatric follow-up
• Coordination with therapists or other healthcare professionals

Medication may help manage certain symptoms, but psychotherapy is often an important component of trauma-related treatment.

First Responders, Veterans & Service Members

Clear Sky Wellness, PLLC also provides mental health care for first responders, veterans, service members, and military families.

Johanna Christensen, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, has served as an EMT for more than 20 years and is trained in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). Her background provides firsthand familiarity with emergency-service culture and the impact of critical incidents and occupational stress.

Patients seeking care specifically related to first responder or military experiences can also visit our First Responder & Military Mental Health Care page.

Psychiatric Medication Management for PTSD

Medication may be considered for symptoms such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, nightmares, or other trauma-related concerns.

Follow-up visits help monitor effectiveness, side effects, functioning, and treatment goals.

Telehealth PTSD Care

Telehealth psychiatric appointments may be available when clinically appropriate and permitted based on the patient’s location and provider licensure.

Schedule PTSD & Trauma-Related Care

Clear Sky Wellness provides PTSD and trauma-related psychiatric care in Detroit Lakes and Hawley, Minnesota.

Phone: (218) 845-3535