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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting Trauma/PTSD therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with an Trauma/PTSD therapy therapists as soon as this week

2   available in  Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill

As a first generation immigrant woman of color, I understand the unique challenges of minority stress and intersectionality as well as identity-based

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Christal Nelson

Hear from Christal Nelson, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)

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What is your go-to approach for PTSD/trauma therapy?

My go-to approach for assisting others with PTSD/trauma is trauma-focused CBT and EMDR. The benefit of EMDR is watching the client's triggers to trauma decrease within a few sessions.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I teach the following tools in PTSD/trauma therapy: use of coping skills, deep breathing, tapping, bilateral stimulation, and guided imagery.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I know the client is making meaningful progress when their triggers to trauma decrease and the narrative formed during the trauma changes from victim to an empowered survivor.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement PTSD/trauma therapy?

Clients can supplement their time outside of therapy with the homework I send and/or assign them.

What should someone do to prepare for starting PTSD/trauma therapy?

To prepare for their first PTSD/trauma therapy session, someone can practice expressing what they are and aren't comfortable with in sharing with the therapist. The sessions move at the pace of the client, not the therapist.

Starting Trauma/PTSD therapy

What is PTSD/trauma therapy?

At Thriveworks, Trauma/PTSD therapy involves dedicated efforts to address and navigate through past and/or recent traumatic events. Therapists specializing in trauma create a secure environment to process and heal from these experiences, aiming to reduce trauma-related symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.

How does PTSD/trauma therapy work?

Our Thriveworks providers use Trauma/PTSD therapy treatments like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing EMDR, CBT, and exposure therapy with the goal of helping clients process the traumatic events they have experienced so that they can to start feeling safe and secure again.

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can vary but often include:

  • Flashbacks and distressing memories of the traumatic event
  • Nightmares and sleep disturbances
  • Intense anxiety and irritability
  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
  • Negative changes in mood and thought patterns
  • Increased arousal, like difficulty concentrating or exaggerated startle response

How do you overcome PTSD triggers?

The best way to overcome PTSD triggers is to seek the assistance of a professional therapist, such as those at Thriveworks, who can help you to understand and treat your PTSD triggers.

What type of therapist is best for PTSD?

In most cases, a therapist who specializes in Trauma/PTSD therapy is the best type of mental health professional to address the symptoms of PTSD.

Is PTSD/trauma therapy conducted in person or online?

PTSD/trauma therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long should you go to therapy for PTSD?

If a client is working through a single traumatic event that occurred as an adult, trauma or PTSD therapy may only take a few months, but in general, it can take a year or more to effectively treat trauma symptoms and PTSD. The duration of treatment is highly dependent on the client and the severity of their symptoms.

How successful is therapy for PTSD?

The success rate of therapy for PTSD depends entirely on the individual’s symptoms, commitment to attending sessions, and personal abilities.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Chapel Hill therapists and counselors accept 23 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage

  • Carelon

  • Caresource

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

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Self-pay costs at Chapel Hill
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I like someone who will listen even when I interrupt. I can't think of anything that can improve the experience.
Alfred Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
So far everyone has been patient and pleasant. I can tell they are actively listening as well.
Kineshia Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Ashley always listens and does not judge. She always makes me feel welcome and well cared for. It's not easy for me to talk one on one, but--somehow--she makes it easy. So very thankful.
Marie Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Alex is incredibly respectful, insightful, and kind. I've made a lot of progress since coming to her.
Nicole Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist has a way of explaining things to me that I haven't noticed. She gives me assignments and resources to help me through this difficult period. I truly appreciate her immensely!!
Natalie Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
When I started seeing Ashley, I felt emotionally broken. Now almost 1 1/2 years later, I'm able to handle the challenges in my life and use our sessions as touchstones. I'm extremely grateful!
Melissa Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Dr Brooks is amazing. Great listener and definitely gives great advice and guidance.
Michael Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Alex bounds has been a beneficial asset to me for the past year and is phenomenal at what she does. . Honestly the best therapist I have ever worked with.
Adam Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Chapel Hill is located near the corner of Franklin Street and Estes Drive. We currently share a building with Select Physical Therapy, Child Trends, and Grupo Gransolar, among other businesses. When you turn off of Franklin Street, to get to our office, you will pass Avance Care Chapel Hill.

Phone number

(919) 642-1031

Languages spoken by NC providers

  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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