PTSD and Trauma Treatment in South Florida
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after living through or witnessing a frightening or dangerous event, such as an accident, an assault, a natural disaster, combat, or a traumatic birth. It is more than just a bad memory. People with PTSD may relive the event through intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks; avoid places, people, or conversations that bring it to mind; feel on edge, irritable, or easily startled; and notice lasting changes in their mood and in how they see themselves and others. These symptoms can make it hard to sleep, work, feel close to the people around you, or simply feel safe.
Most people go through a traumatic event at some point in their lives, and most recover over time, but about 6 out of every 100 people will have PTSD at some point. Some trauma is a single event, while other trauma builds over years, such as ongoing abuse or repeated exposure through work. PTSD is not a sign of weakness; the type of trauma, how close a person was to it, and the support available afterward all influence who develops it. The good news is that PTSD is very treatable, and for many people, symptoms become much less intense or go away altogether with care.
Our approach to treatment of PTSD and trauma
At Tranquility Psychiatry, trauma care begins with safety, trust, and going at your pace; you will never be asked to share more than you are ready to. After a comprehensive evaluation, which also looks at sleep, depression, anxiety, and substance use, we tailor treatment to you. Effective care often combines trauma-focused psychotherapy with medication. We provide trauma-focused psychotherapy, and we also work with trusted experts in the community when additional therapy support is the best fit. Certain SSRIs, such as sertraline and paroxetine, are FDA-approved for PTSD, and other medications can help with nightmares and sleep. Dr. Christopher Kaul and Dr. Cara Kaul have particular expertise in treating PTSD and trauma-related disorders, and Dr. Christopher Kaul also focuses on the mental health needs of first responders.
For many people who have been through trauma, being seen from the comfort of home makes it easier to open up. We see adults by video anywhere in Florida, and in person appointments in Delray Beach are available upon request.
How is PTSD diagnosed?
PTSD is diagnosed through a careful clinical evaluation with a psychiatrist, focusing on symptoms that have lasted more than a month after a traumatic event and how they affect your daily life. We use a standardized questionnaire, the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5), to understand severity and track progress over time. You do not need to describe the trauma in detail for us to make a diagnosis and begin helping.
Cost and insurance
A new patient evaluation is $400 for up to 60 minutes, and follow-up medication management visits are $200 for up to 30 minutes. Tranquility Psychiatry is not in network with insurance, but we can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No. You decide how much to share and when. Many effective treatments, including medication and skills-based therapy, do not require retelling every detail at the start.
Can PTSD be treated by telehealth?
Yes. Adults located anywhere in Florida can be evaluated and treated by secure video, and in person visits in Delray Beach are available upon request.
Can a difficult birth cause PTSD?
Yes. A frightening or traumatic birth experience can lead to PTSD, and our specialized training in perinatal mental health helps us care for new parents after a difficult delivery.
Do you treat first responders?
Yes. Dr. Christopher Kaul focuses on the mental health needs of first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.
Where treatment begins
Whatever you have been through, you do not have to carry it alone. Schedule a free 10-minute phone consultation, or click here to get connected to one of our psychiatrists.