Psychiatric Care for Trauma Survivors in Texas and New Mexico
Trauma leaves a mark that doesn't follow a predictable schedule. For some people it shows up immediately after the event. For others it surfaces years or decades later, triggered by a relationship, a news story, a smell, or nothing at all. Lyte Psychiatry provides psychiatric care for trauma survivors — not a judgment about what qualifies as trauma or whether it was bad enough, but a clinical evaluation of what's happening now and what medication and therapeutic support makes sense.
PTSD: What It Is and What It Is Not
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a clinical condition that develops in some — not all — people following exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. NIMH estimates that about 6 out of 100 people will develop PTSD at some point in their lives, with rates significantly higher among combat veterans, sexual assault survivors, and first responders. PTSD is diagnosed when intrusive symptoms, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in reactivity persist for more than a month and impair daily function. Exposure to a traumatic event alone does not equal PTSD.
Complex PTSD: When Trauma Is Repeated
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a distinct presentation that develops following prolonged or repeated traumatic experiences — childhood abuse, domestic violence, repeated sexual assault, or captivity. The ICD-11 formally recognizes C-PTSD as a separate diagnosis from PTSD, characterized by disturbances in self-organization: difficulty regulating emotions, persistent negative self-concept, and difficulty maintaining relationships. C-PTSD requires a longer treatment arc and different approaches than single-event PTSD. Accurate diagnosis is the starting point.
Medication for PTSD: What the Evidence Says
The VA and DoD clinical practice guidelines identify sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) as the only FDA-approved medications for PTSD, both SSRIs. Venlafaxine (an SNRI) also has strong evidence. Prazosin has specific evidence for PTSD-related nightmares. Emerging research on MDMA-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant PTSD shows significant promise, though it remains in clinical trials. Lyte Psychiatry manages evidence-based PTSD medications and coordinates therapy referrals.
When Trauma Presents as Something Else
Trauma is frequently misdiagnosed. Emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and unstable relationships get labeled as borderline personality disorder. Hypervigilance and intrusive thoughts get coded as OCD. Depersonalization and dissociation get dismissed as anxiety. Research documents that complex trauma in particular is systematically underdiagnosed and confused with other conditions. An accurate trauma history changes what treatment looks like. We take that history seriously.
Conditions We Treat
- PTSD
- Complex PTSD
- Childhood Abuse
- Domestic Violence Trauma
- Sexual Assault PTSD
- Dissociation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Emotional Dysregulation
- Insomnia
- Flashbacks
- Grief and Loss
How to Get Started
Book online or call us
Visit lytepsych.com or call 469-733-0848. Let us know you're looking for Trauma Survivors care — we'll match you with the right provider.
Complete your intake
Fill out a brief intake form. Our team verifies your insurance before your appointment so there are no billing surprises.
See your provider
Choose in-person at our Pantego, TX clinic (DFW area) or a secure video appointment from anywhere in Texas or New Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD?
PTSD typically develops from a single traumatic event or a discrete period of events. Complex PTSD develops from prolonged or repeated trauma — particularly when that trauma occurred in childhood or within a relationship where the person had limited ability to escape. The ICD-11 recognizes complex PTSD as a separate diagnosis with additional features including emotional dysregulation, negative self-concept, and interpersonal difficulties.
Does Lyte Psychiatry treat childhood trauma?
Yes. Childhood abuse, neglect, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are among the most significant predictors of adult psychiatric conditions. We evaluate and treat adults carrying the long-term effects of childhood trauma, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and complex PTSD.
What medications are used for PTSD?
Sertraline and paroxetine are FDA-approved specifically for PTSD. Venlafaxine has strong evidence as well. Prazosin is used for nightmares. We discuss all options, their evidence base, and side effect profiles with you before prescribing.
Is trauma therapy available at Lyte Psychiatry?
We provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management. For trauma-focused therapy — particularly evidence-based approaches like EMDR, CPT, or PE — we coordinate referrals to licensed therapists who specialize in trauma. Many patients benefit from both medication and therapy, and we can help you access both.
Do I have to talk about the traumatic event at the first appointment?
No. The first appointment is a psychiatric evaluation, not a trauma disclosure session. We need enough clinical context to understand what you're experiencing and how to help. We do not require detailed recounting of events, and we follow your lead on how much to share and when.
Can trauma cause physical symptoms?
Yes. Research documents that trauma and PTSD are associated with higher rates of chronic pain, gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune conditions. The nervous system dysregulation produced by trauma has real physical effects. Treating the psychiatric component often improves physical symptoms as well.
What if I've had trauma therapy before and it didn't help?
That's more common than people realize, and it doesn't mean treatment can't work for you. Different trauma presentations respond to different approaches. Not all therapy is equally effective for all types of trauma. Sometimes medication is the missing piece. A fresh evaluation can identify what's been missed and what else to try.
Is telehealth effective for trauma treatment?
Yes. Research supports telehealth delivery of PTSD evaluation and medication management as equivalent to in-person care. For trauma survivors who find it difficult to leave home, telehealth removes a significant barrier to access.
Trusted Resources & Sources
VA — PTSD Prevalence in Adults
~7–8% of U.S. adults will develop PTSD in their lifetime
NIMH — PTSD
Symptoms, risk factors, and evidence-based therapies
SAMHSA — Trauma-Informed Care
Federal framework for trauma-informed behavioral health
APA — PTSD Treatment Guidelines
Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD treatment
Lyte Psychiatry's content is reviewed by board-certified psychiatrists and references peer-reviewed research and federal health agency data.
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