PTSD Treatment Specialist in Cedar Rapids, IA

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition that can arise after a person experiences or witnesses a deeply traumatic event, such as military combat, serious accidents, natural disasters, or personal assaults. At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, we recognize that PTSD affects not only the mind, but also the body and spirit, often disrupting daily life with symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, persistent fear, anxiety, sadness, or feelings of detachment from loved ones.

While PTSD is most commonly associated with direct exposure to trauma, it can also be triggered by witnessing a traumatic event or even learning that a loved one has experienced trauma. The likelihood of developing PTSD varies from person to person and can be influenced by the severity of the trauma, previous life experiences, family history, and the availability of emotional support.

Our team integrates evidence-based psychiatric care with holistic therapies that address the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. We offer personalized treatment plans that may include medication management, psychotherapy, mindfulness techniques, nutritional guidance, and other holistic interventions. Our goal is to empower individuals with PTSD to regain balance, foster resilience, and rediscover a sense of well-being in every aspect of their lives.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects every aspect of a person’s life—mind, body, and spirit. PTSD is marked by a range of symptoms that may arise after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, and these symptoms fall into four main categories: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.

Intrusive Memories

Recurrent, unwanted distressing thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares are common in PTSD. These intrusive memories can disrupt daily life and make restful sleep difficult. At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, we understand how these symptoms can affect your overall well-being, and we offer integrated treatments—including psychotherapy, mindfulness practices, and medication management—to help you regain control over your thoughts and sleep patterns.

Avoidance Symptoms

Many individuals with PTSD go to great lengths to avoid reminders of the trauma, whether it’s certain places, people, or situations. This avoidance can lead to withdrawal from social activities and increased isolation. Our practice takes a compassionate, holistic approach by combining traditional psychiatric care with supportive therapies helping you reconnect with your community and rediscover joy in daily activities.

Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood

PTSD often leads to persistent negative thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, emotional numbness, and challenges in relationships. Our team works with you to address these cognitive and emotional shifts through evidence-based therapies, nutritional guidance, and mind-body techniques. We focus on nurturing both your mental health and your sense of connection to others.

Alterations in Physical and Emotional Reactions

Symptoms like being easily startled, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances are common. These can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming and strain your relationships at work, home, or school. Our holistic treatment plans incorporate psychiatric evaluation, stress-reduction practices, and lifestyle modifications—such as exercise, meditation, and sleep hygiene—to support your recovery on multiple levels.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) goes beyond simply identifying symptoms—we focus on understanding the whole person. We recognize that trauma impacts individuals on multiple levels: mind, body, and spirit. Our experienced healthcare professionals begin with a comprehensive clinical assessment, guiding each patient through a thoughtful conversation about their unique experiences, symptoms, and medical history.

In our practice, we create a safe and supportive environment where patients can share their stories at their own pace. We explore not just the traumatic event itself, but also how it has affected daily life, relationships, mood, and overall well-being. Our clinicians pay close attention to emotional, physical, and behavioral changes, always considering how trauma may manifest differently in each individual.

Following the latest standards in psychiatric care, including the guidelines outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), we look for hallmark PTSD symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, mood changes, and increased anxiety or arousal. We emphasize the importance of how these symptoms persist over time and impact a patient’s ability to function in various aspects of life.

To ensure a thorough and accurate assessment, we may use structured interviews and standardized questionnaires, as well as collaborate with loved ones when appropriate. However, our holistic approach also means we consider other factors—like physical health, lifestyle, nutrition, sleep patterns, and stress levels—that may contribute to or result from trauma-related symptoms.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, we recognize that while it may not always be possible to fully prevent PTSD, a holistic and integrative approach can significantly lower the risk and promote long-term mental well-being.

Early Holistic Intervention

One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of PTSD is early intervention. At our practice, we provide immediate psychological support through trauma-informed counseling, mindfulness-based therapies, and supportive group environments. These interventions help individuals process their experiences in a safe, compassionate space, reducing feelings of isolation and empowering them to heal.

Building Resilience with Integrative Care

We believe that building resilience before trauma occurs is key to prevention. Our holistic approach incorporates strengthening social support systems, teaching healthy coping skills, and offering stress management techniques. For individuals in high-stress professions, we offer tailored resilience-building programs that address both mind and body, helping to fortify mental health against future challenges.

Access to Comprehensive Mental Health Resources

We provide easy access to a range of mental health services—including psychotherapy, psychiatry, and integrative wellness therapies—ensuring that support is available when it’s needed most. Our collaborative care model means each client receives personalized, whole-person treatment.

PTSD can be prevented; our holistic, patient-centered approach—focusing on early support, resilience-building, education, and accessible care—can significantly reduce risk and foster lasting well-being after trauma.

When seeking treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), an integrated approach that addresses both the psychological and biological impacts of trauma can be essential.

Dr. Laurie McCormick, MD, DFAPA, the Founder of Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, is an Integrative/Holistic Psychiatrist with specialized expertise relevant to trauma recovery. She is certified in Psychedelic-Assisted and Ketamine Therapy (KAP) and has been facilitating ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for over five years. Dr. McCormick not only offers this cutting-edge treatment to patients but also provides workshops to teach other providers how to use ketamine to treat the root causes of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, ensuring a path to healing that is both compassionate and medically informed.

If you or a loved one has experienced trauma, Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry is here to support your journey toward healing and wholeness. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 42 7th Ave SW, Suite 100 & 102 Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. We serve patients from Cedar Rapids IA, Hiawatha IA, Marion IA, Robins IA, Fairfax IA, Mt Vernon IA, and surrounding areas.