PTSD

Post–traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological reaction occurring after experiencing a highly stressful event (such as wartime combat, physical violence, or a natural disaster) that is usually characterized by depression, anxiety, flashbacks, recurrent nightmares, and avoidance of reminders of the event. 

Although PTSD is typically associated with veterans who have suffered trauma on the battlefield, it is also commonly seen in civilians who have experienced sexual assault, life-threatening events or disasters, childhood trauma, injury, disease, or suddenly losing a loved one. 

How We Help

At Ascend Health Center, we focus on finding and healing the root of your PTSD and creating a path forward. These unprocessed memories are like books scattered on the floor–how can we shelve them into an organized bookcase? Our holistic approach means lifestyle changes, talk therapy, medications, and ketamine or Spravato therapy are all options for your unique plan of care. Trauma can manifest in eating disorders, pain syndromes, and substance abuse, so we integrate the whole person as we seek to restore function.

Testimonial from Cara B

“This place changed my life. Progressive and holistic. Trauma-informed care. Amazing people that really care about you.

My healing journey was a dire situation and when I decided to seek help finally, it was a TOTAL disaster for two whole years until I found Ascend Akron–now Ascend–last July. I had done the new patient process at many different behavioral health operations all over Summit County. It is sad to say, but only one of the dozens I completed an assessment intake with mentioned trauma to me – and looking back at those times, I was LITERALLY the poster gal for complex PTSD. This is a widespread concern I’ve found out, and it’s a serious problem in the system here. The lack of trauma education and acknowledgment by mental health professionals ultimately results in patients believing, once again, that THEY are the problem. So opposite of what should happen. I hope PTSD-informed care awareness becomes a priority for the sake of all those suffering.

Luckily, Ascend has embraced this neglected concept. For example, every Tuesday evening there is a women’s trauma support group run by my clinician, Sarah. Sarah is a big deal in the behavioral health community around here and has been my inspiration to turn things around.

The entire crew has been so kind and accommodating to my particular issues. They really want to see their patients heal, which is proven by their actions and the energy there in general. I could go on and on about how unique they are but it’s more important anyone reading this takes that courageous step and gives them a call. If you don’t click anywhere else you will most likely click here.

I have tried all their services – ketamine infusions, psychiatry, and TMS; in addition to weekly counseling and EMDR sessions (intensive treatment for PTSD). The ketamine acted as a huge reset button on the mind, body, and spirit – no matter how lost you may feel, you CAN be brought back. The TMS treatments (completed 6 out of 38 so far) are slowly decreasing my long-term medication resistant depression. What a truly remarkable and exciting thing! Will update when I am further along with the EMDR sessions.

If you feel like giving up, give it another gander because the grass IS greener with a stable, healthy mind. Ascend has saved my life! The future is bright.”