Psychiatric Evaluation for PTSD
Thorough diagnostic interview using tools like the PCL-5 and CAPS-5 to identify symptom severity and co-occurring conditions. Learn more.
NewLight Psychiatric Services — Lakeland, FL
PTSD Therapy in Lakeland, FL — Evidence-Based Trauma Treatment That Works
Living with post-traumatic stress disorder can feel like being trapped in a loop — intrusive memories, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and restless sleep. At NewLight Psychiatric Services, our integrated psychiatry and trauma-focused psychotherapy help adolescents, adults, and older adults move from surviving to living again.
NewLight Psychiatric Services • 5302 South Florida Ave, STE #203 Lakeland, FL 33813 • (863) 602-7001
Quick answer: Evidence-based psychotherapies — Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and EMDR — combined with targeted medication when needed (e.g., sertraline) are the most effective treatments for PTSD. Many patients notice meaningful improvement within 8–16 sessions.
Schedule a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to get a personalized treatment plan.
Services
Comprehensive PTSD Treatment Options
Our care model integrates psychotherapy, medication, and flexible telepsychiatry so you can receive coordinated PTSD treatment without fragmenting your care.
PTSD Medication Management
Targeted pharmacotherapy when appropriate — SSRIs like sertraline or paroxetine, and symptom-focused options such as prazosin for nightmares. Coordinated with therapy. Details.
Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy
Evidence-based modalities: CPT, Prolonged Exposure, EMDR, and Trauma-Focused CBT — chosen to fit your trauma history and goals. Our approach.
Telepsychiatry (Statewide in Florida)
Secure, HIPAA-compliant video visits bring PTSD treatment to patients across Florida — ideal for those in remote or underserved areas. Telepsychiatry program.
Understanding PTSD
What Is PTSD and How Do You Know If You Have It?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event — such as combat, assault, a serious accident, childhood abuse, or sudden loss. It involves persistent changes in brain and nervous system functioning that keep the body in a state of threat.
Common symptoms include:
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks
- Nightmares and disrupted sleep
- Avoidance behaviors
- Emotional numbness
- Hypervigilance and exaggerated startle
- Irritability or concentration problems
If symptoms persist for more than a month and interfere with daily life, a professional psychiatric evaluation can determine whether PTSD or a related condition is present.
Impact
How Untreated PTSD Affects Daily Life
Connected Risks
Untreated PTSD is closely linked to co-occurring depression and anxiety, substance use, relationship breakdown, occupational difficulties, and physical health consequences related to prolonged stress activation.
Co-occurring depression and anxiety can complicate recovery — we treat the full clinical picture, not just isolated symptoms. See also depression and anxiety treatment options.
Not a Personal Failure
Symptoms are your nervous system's response to trauma — not a sign of personal weakness. With evidence-based care, most patients make measurable progress and regain meaningful functioning.
Local Access
Our Lakeland location plus statewide telepsychiatry ensures patients in Polk County and Hillsborough County can access timely care without navigating multiple providers.
Approach
Our PTSD Treatment Approach at NewLight Psychiatric Services
Integrated, Personalized Care
We create a treatment plan based on trauma type, symptom duration, co-occurring conditions, and your recovery goals. Care integrates two pillars: trauma-focused psychotherapy and psychiatric medication management.
Step 1: Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
A 60-minute initial appointment uses validated tools like the PCL-5 and CAPS-5 to guide diagnosis and planning.
Step 2: Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy
We use CPT, Prolonged Exposure, EMDR, and Trauma-Focused CBT depending on which best suits your needs.
Step 3: Medication Management (When Appropriate)
Medications (e.g., sertraline, paroxetine, prazosin for nightmares) are used to support therapy — coordinated under one clinical team. Learn about psychiatric medication management and our trauma-focused psychotherapy.
Step 4: Ongoing Monitoring
Follow-ups every 2–4 weeks during active treatment help us measure change and adjust plans. Many patients notice improvement in 8–16 sessions.
Who We Serve
Who We Treat: PTSD Therapy for Adolescents, Adults, and Older Adults
NewLight provides trauma care across the lifespan — adolescents (13+), adults, and older adults — and treats PTSD that co-occurs with bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, or substance use.
- Adolescents (13+) — school-related trauma, abuse, or loss
- Adults — veterans, first responders, survivors of assault or accidents
- Older adults — late-onset PTSD, reactivation of earlier trauma, grief-related trauma
We coordinate care for co-occurring conditions — see our pages for bipolar disorder, ADHD, and OCD.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose NewLight Psychiatric Services for PTSD Treatment
Dual-track Treatment Model
Psychotherapy and medication management under one roof for better coordination and faster progress.
Evidence-Based Protocols
Clinical recommendations are guided by peer-reviewed research and APA and VA/DoD guidelines.
Telepsychiatry Access
Secure video appointments across Florida reduce travel barriers and expand access to care. Learn more.
Insurance-Friendly
We accept multiple insurance plans to help lower financial barriers. View accepted plans.
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Approximately 6 out of every 100 Americans will experience PTSD in their lifetime
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Common earliest improvement within 8 sessions (range shown in context)
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Roughly 50% of people with PTSD also meet criteria for major depressive disorder
Process
How It Works — A Clear Path Through Care
1. Schedule an Evaluation
Book an initial psychiatric evaluation to map history, symptoms, and goals.
2. Collaborative Treatment Plan
We recommend CPT, PE, EMDR, and/or medication where appropriate — tailored to you.
3. Active Treatment
Weekly or biweekly sessions and medication follow-ups every 2–4 weeks during active care.
4. Ongoing Support & Relapse Prevention
Periodic check-ins and maintenance care as you reach stability.
Social Proof
Patient Experience and Feedback
"The clinicians at NewLight helped me understand how trauma affected my life and built a plan that actually worked. Televisit options meant I could keep appointments during a busy workweek."
— Patient in Lakeland, FL
"Coordinating therapy and medication under one team made all the difference — faster relief and fewer appointments across clinics."
— Caregiver of an older adult patient
Service Area
Serving Lakeland, Plant City, Brandon, Winter Haven & Surrounding Communities
Conveniently located in Lakeland, FL with easy access from I-4 and the Polk Parkway. We see patients across Polk County and Hillsborough County and provide telepsychiatry statewide in Florida.
- Lakeland — South Lakeland, Lakeland Highlands, near Florida Southern College and Lakeland Regional Health
- Plant City — ~25 minutes via I-4
- Brandon, Riverview — accessible via I-4 West and Selmon Expressway
- Winter Haven, Bartow, Haines City, Auburndale, Mulberry, Davenport
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD Therapy
How long does PTSD therapy take to work? ▾
Most patients begin to notice meaningful symptom improvement within 8 to 16 sessions of evidence-based trauma-focused therapy such as CPT, Prolonged Exposure, or EMDR. The total duration of treatment depends on the complexity of the trauma, co-occurring conditions, and individual response.
What is the most effective therapy for PTSD? ▾
The APA recommends Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and EMDR as first-line treatments. The best choice depends on the individual; your provider will recommend a modality based on trauma type, symptoms, and preference.
Can PTSD be treated with medication alone? ▾
Medication can reduce symptoms like insomnia and anxiety, but guidelines recommend combining medication with trauma-focused psychotherapy for optimal outcomes. SSRIs like sertraline and paroxetine are FDA-approved for PTSD.
Does insurance cover PTSD therapy in Florida? ▾
Yes—most major plans cover PTSD therapy as medically necessary. NewLight accepts multiple insurance plans; contact our office or check our insurance page to verify coverage and any copays or deductibles.
What is the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD? ▾
PTSD often follows a single traumatic event. Complex PTSD results from prolonged, repeated trauma (often in childhood) and includes additional difficulties with emotional regulation, identity, and relationships. Both respond to trauma-focused treatments.
Can I get PTSD therapy through telepsychiatry? ▾
Yes. NewLight offers PTSD therapy and medication management through secure, HIPAA-compliant telepsychiatry for patients anywhere in Florida. Telehealth delivery of evidence-based therapies is shown to be effective for most patients.
Take the First Step Toward Trauma Recovery
You do not have to keep white-knuckling through the day. NewLight Psychiatric Services is accepting new patients for PTSD therapy and trauma-related psychiatric care. Your first appointment includes a comprehensive evaluation and a clear, personalized plan.
NewLight Psychiatric Services • 5302 South Florida Ave, STE #203 Lakeland, FL 33813 • (863) 602-7001