Trauma and PTSD Therapy in California
Looking for a trauma therapist who takes your insurance? Lean Medical connects you with licensed therapists across California who specialize in trauma and PTSD treatment. We accept Cigna and Aetna.
Understanding Trauma and PTSD
Trauma can result from a single overwhelming event or from repeated exposure to harmful or frightening experiences over time. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, but many people find that traumatic experiences affect their mood, relationships, sleep, and sense of safety long after the event itself.
Common sources of trauma include abuse or neglect, domestic violence, accidents or injuries, sexual assault, combat or military service, childhood adversity, medical trauma, and loss of a loved one.
PTSD develops when the brain gets stuck in a heightened state of alert. Symptoms include intrusive memories or flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of people or places that trigger memories, emotional numbness, difficulty trusting others, and being easily startled or on edge.
How We Treat Trauma
Therapy is the primary treatment for trauma and PTSD. Our clinicians use several evidence-based approaches depending on your situation:
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) helps you process traumatic memories and develop coping strategies. It has strong evidence for both adults and children.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories without requiring you to describe the event in detail. Many people find EMDR effective in a relatively short time frame.
Psychiatry and medication management can help manage symptoms like severe anxiety, sleep disruption, or depression that often accompany PTSD. Medication works alongside therapy, not as a replacement for it.
Family therapy can help when trauma has affected family relationships, or when a child's trauma is impacting the whole household.
Trauma in Children and Teens
Children and teens experience trauma differently than adults. They may not have the words to describe what happened, and their symptoms often show up as behavioral changes - regression, clinginess, aggression, nightmares, school avoidance, or withdrawal.
Our clinicians who specialize in pediatric behavioral health use age-appropriate trauma treatments including TF-CBT and play therapy. Early intervention helps children process traumatic experiences before they become entrenched.
Insurance Coverage
Trauma therapy and PTSD treatment are covered by most Cigna and Aetna plans in California. This includes individual therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric medication management. We verify your benefits before your first appointment.
Getting Started
Reach out.
Visit our Find Care page and let us know you're looking for trauma support. You don't need to share details about what happened - just that you're looking for help.
We match you.
We verify your insurance and connect you with a therapist who specializes in trauma and feels like the right fit.
Begin at your pace.
Your therapist will start by getting to know you and understanding what you're dealing with. Treatment moves at a pace that feels safe. Sessions are available in person or via telehealth.