PTSD Treatment & Medication Management in Red Bank, NJ
PTSD Evaluation and Treatment
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is not a weakness or “overreacting.” It’s a trauma-related condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event—and it can affect how the brain and body respond to stress long after the danger has passed.
PTSD often shows up as intrusive memories, avoidance, hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, and a persistent sense of being “on edge.”
Some people recognize PTSD right away. Others don’t connect the dots until months or years later—when they notice chronic irritability, emotional numbing, panic-like symptoms, relationship strain, or a constant feeling that they can’t fully relax.
At Kolli Psychiatric & Associates, we provide comprehensive PTSD evaluations and evidence-based medication management in Red Bank, New Jersey, serving patients throughout Monmouth County and offering telehealth when appropriate.
We focus on diagnostic clarity, practical symptom relief, and a plan that supports healing over time.
PTSD Psychiatrist in Monmouth County, NJ
Trauma can overlap with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and even bipolar symptoms—so accurate diagnosis matters. PTSD treatment also needs to be paced carefully: many people benefit from stabilizing sleep, anxiety reactivity, and mood symptoms before they can fully engage in trauma-focused therapy.
We help patients with:
- PTSD diagnostic clarification (PTSD vs generalized anxiety, panic, depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder)
- Medication planning and optimization
- Sleep/nightmare support when clinically appropriate
- Coordinated care with therapy and primary care when helpful (with consent)
- Relapse prevention and long-term maintenance planning
Serving Red Bank and Nearby New Jersey Communities
We commonly work with individuals and families from Red Bank, Freehold, Marlboro, Rumson, Fair Haven, Little Silver, Shrewsbury, Holmdel, Colts Neck, Middletown, Lincroft, Oceanport, Long Branch, Atlantic Highlands, Highlands, and nearby communities across Monmouth County, New Jersey.
When to Seek Psychiatric Help for PTSD
Consider a PTSD evaluation if you’re noticing:
- Persistent sleep disturbance, nightmares, or insomnia
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or unwanted mental images
- Avoidance of reminders (places, conversations, situations, sensations)
- Hypervigilance (scanning, startle response, always feeling “on guard”)
- Irritability, anger outbursts, or emotional shutdown/numbing
- Anxiety, panic, or physical stress symptoms that don’t fully resolve
- Depression, hopelessness, or loss of interest after a traumatic event
- Increased substance use to “turn off” thoughts or sleep
- Significant impairment in work, school, parenting, or relationships
Common PTSD Symptoms and How They Show Up
|
PTSD Symptom Area |
Common Signs |
Everyday Examples |
| Intrusive memories | Unwanted memories, nightmares, flashbacks | Sudden mental images, waking in panic, distress when reminded |
| Avoidance | Avoiding reminders of the event | Skipping places/conversations, staying “busy” to avoid thinking |
| Hypervigilance & reactivity | On edge, easily startled, irritability | Scanning for danger, jumpy in crowds, snapping more than usual |
| Mood & thinking changes | Guilt/shame, numbness, detachment | Feeling disconnected, loss of interest, harsh self-blame |
| Sleep & concentration | Insomnia, restless sleep, brain fog | Trouble falling asleep, waking exhausted, difficulty focusing at work/school |
Evidence-Based PTSD Treatment in New Jersey: How We Help
1) Medication management (when appropriate)
Medication can reduce symptom intensity and improve day-to-day functioning—especially sleep disruption, anxiety reactivity, and mood symptoms that interfere with recovery. Treatment is individualized and may include:
- Medications targeting PTSD-related anxiety and mood symptoms
- Options for sleep disturbance and nightmares when clinically appropriate
- Careful attention to side effects and interactions
- Strategies for co-occurring depression or panic when present
We aim to be practical and transparent—explaining what to expect, how long it may take, and how we measure whether it’s helping.
2) Coordinating care with trauma-focused therapy (referrals and collaboration)
We provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management. Many patients benefit from therapy that is specifically designed for trauma (for example, structured trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR or trauma-focused CBT). If therapy is part of your plan, we can coordinate with your current therapist (with consent) and help you identify appropriate therapy options in the community.
3) Stabilization and relapse prevention
For many people, the first goal is stabilization: better sleep, less reactivity, fewer panic-like surges, and improved ability to function at work and at home. We help patients identify:
- Common triggers and early warning signs
- Sleep protection strategies
- Practical coping tools that reduce reactivity without reinforcing avoidance
- A maintenance plan for stressful periods, anniversaries, travel, or life transitions
Other Conditions We Treat
Why Choose Kolli Psychiatric & Associates for PTSD Treatment in NJ?
A thoughtful, paced evaluation that doesn’t feel overwhelming
We understand that talking about trauma can be difficult. Our evaluations are thorough and respectful, and we focus on getting a clear clinical picture without pushing you to share more detail than you’re ready for. Many patients feel relieved to finally have their symptoms understood in the context of trauma—not dismissed as “just anxiety.”
We recognize the many ways PTSD can show up
PTSD isn’t always obvious flashbacks. It can look like insomnia, irritability, panic-like body reactions, emotional numbing, avoidance, or feeling constantly on edge—especially in high-functioning adults. We’re careful about identifying these patterns and differentiating PTSD from anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other overlapping conditions.
Practical, evidence-based medication management when appropriate
When medication is part of the plan, we focus on targeted symptom relief—often improving sleep, reducing hyperarousal, and stabilizing mood so daily life feels more manageable. We explain options clearly, review risks and benefits transparently, and adjust thoughtfully based on response and tolerability.
Coordination and referrals when therapy is part of your plan
We provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management. If trauma-focused therapy is indicated, we can collaborate with your current therapist (with your consent) and help guide referrals in the community so your care is coordinated rather than fragmented.
Local care with telehealth options
We’re located in Red Bank, New Jersey and serve patients across Monmouth County, with telehealth available for appropriate appointments—making it easier to access consistent follow-up and maintain momentum.
Book an Appointment with a Top-Rated Psychiatrist in NJ
Choosing a doctor for PTSD care matters. At Kolli Psychiatric & Associates, patients choose us because we take the time to understand the full picture—not just a symptom list. Our evaluations are thorough and paced, with attention to how trauma affects sleep, anxiety reactivity, mood, and daily functioning.
You’ll get clear education, a practical plan, and careful medication management when appropriate, with coordination and referrals to trauma-focused therapy in the community when needed (with your consent). We’re based in Red Bank and serve patients throughout Monmouth County, New Jersey, with telehealth options for appropriate visits.
Frequently Asked Questions about PTSD Treatment
What is PTSD, and how is it different from “normal” stress after something bad happens?
It’s normal to feel shaken after a traumatic event. PTSD involves symptoms that persist and interfere with daily life—often including intrusion symptoms (nightmares/flashbacks), avoidance, hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, and changes in mood/thinking that don’t resolve on their own.
Can you have PTSD without flashbacks?
Yes. Many people experience PTSD primarily as insomnia, irritability, avoidance, panic-like body reactions, or emotional numbing. Flashbacks can occur, but they’re not required for PTSD.
What is complex PTSD, and do you evaluate for it?
Complex PTSD is a term often used when trauma is chronic or interpersonal (e.g., prolonged abuse, repeated exposure, longstanding unsafe environments). People may experience PTSD symptoms plus difficulties with emotional regulation, self-concept, and relationships. We evaluate the full symptom pattern and tailor treatment planning accordingly.
How do you diagnose PTSD during a psychiatric evaluation?
We look at symptom clusters, triggers, timeline, functional impact, and how the nervous system is responding. You don’t need to share every detail of what happened; we can assess PTSD in a paced way while prioritizing safety and comfort.
Can PTSD look like anxiety or panic disorder?
Yes. PTSD can cause panic symptoms, especially when something triggers the body’s alarm system. The distinguishing features are trauma-linked triggers, avoidance patterns, and intrusion symptoms.
Can PTSD cause depression or emotional numbness?
Yes. PTSD and depression commonly overlap. Some people feel persistently sad; others feel shut down, detached, or unable to feel pleasure. Treatment planning often addresses both.
Do you offer telehealth for PTSD treatment in New Jersey?
Telehealth may be appropriate for many follow-up visits depending on clinical complexity and safety considerations. We’ll recommend the best format based on your needs.
What medications are used for PTSD?
Medication plans are individualized. Options may target anxiety, mood symptoms, sleep disturbance, nightmares, and co-occurring depression or panic. We discuss benefits, risks, and realistic timelines, and adjust thoughtfully based on response.
Do I have to be in therapy to take medication for PTSD?
Not necessarily, but many patients benefit from therapy that is specifically designed for trauma. Medication can reduce symptom intensity and improve sleep and stability, which can make therapy more effective. We can coordinate with your therapist or guide referrals when needed.
How long does PTSD treatment take?
It varies. Some people feel meaningful improvement once sleep and baseline reactivity improve; others need a longer-term plan that includes therapy, medication adjustments, and relapse prevention strategies. We focus on steady progress and functional recovery.
What are common signs that PTSD is getting worse?
Worsening sleep, increased avoidance, escalating irritability, increased substance use, more frequent nightmares, and growing difficulty functioning at work/home are common indicators. If safety concerns arise, urgent evaluation is appropriate.
