What's the most effective treatment for PTSD?

Three trauma-focused therapies have the strongest evidence: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). All three produce significant improvement in 60–80% of people who complete a course.

How do veterans get free PTSD treatment?

Any veteran can walk into a Vet Center (community-based, no enrollment required) for free counseling, including for PTSD. VA medical centers also provide PTSD treatment to enrolled veterans at no cost.

PTSD Treatment & Support Resources

PTSD is a treatable condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Evidence-based therapies — Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and EMDR — produce significant improvement in most people who complete a course of treatment.

Veterans can get free PTSD care through any VA medical center or Vet Center, no questions asked. Civilians can find trauma-focused therapists at community mental health centers and FQHCs in this directory.

Related directories

PTSD Treatment & Support Resources by state

Frequently asked questions

What's the most effective treatment for PTSD?: Three trauma-focused therapies have the strongest evidence: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). All three produce significant improvement in 60–80% of people who complete a course.
How do veterans get free PTSD treatment?: Any veteran can walk into a Vet Center (community-based, no enrollment required) for free counseling, including for PTSD. VA medical centers also provide PTSD treatment to enrolled veterans at no cost.