Is PTSD Curable? What Recovery Can Actually Look Like

Is PTSD curable? While there’s no one-and-done fix, various therapies—everything from Prism neurofeedback to virtual reality—are helping more people recover and reclaim their lives.

Is PTSD curable? If you’re asking, chances are you’re searching while feeling fear, frustration, or flat-out desperation. I’ve been there. While I never met the full criteria for PTSD, I struggled to find my footing after birth trauma and a terrifying hospital stay. Even now, the simple beep of a blood pressure monitor can send my heart racing.

After a traumatic event, some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD—a condition where the mind and body repeatedly recalls and relives past trauma, resulting in symptoms that start to interfere with everyday life. Trauma can rock you like an earthquake, and the aftershocks ripple through your relationships, your work, even your sense of self. When you’re in the thick of it, it’s normal to wonder: Will this ever be over? Will I ever heal? Will I ever feel like me again?

"If you’re living with PTSD, it can feel like you’re losing your mind, that you’re ‘crazy,’ or that something inside you is irreparably damaged,” says MaryEllen Eller, MD, a board-certified adult psychiatrist. “None of these thoughts are true,” adds Dr. Eller. And, she adds, “healing is possible.”

The truth: PTSD isn’t “curable” in the same way you’d wipe out an infection, but remission and recovery is absolutely possible. In this guide, we’ll break down what “cure” really means when it comes to PTSD, what recovery can look like, and the many forms of PTSD treatment available today, from traditional therapy and medication to cutting-edge interventions.

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What does it mean to “cure” PTSD?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is PTSD permanent?,” the answer is now more hopeful than people expect. PTSD isn’t a life sentence for most. It’s something you can heal from, even if the process takes time.

“PTSD is what happens when a healthy brain is exposed to an unhealthy, life-threatening situation,” Dr. Eller says. “In that moment, your brain changes instantly—not because it’s malfunctioning, but because it’s protecting you. This is your survival system (centered in the brain’s amygdala) kicking in at full force, sharpening your senses, and preparing your body to respond to danger.”

“The problem is, after trauma, this survival system can get stuck in overdrive—constantly scanning for threats, even when you’re safe,” Dr. Eller says. Healing from PTSD means teaching your brain to return to balance.

While doctors don’t use the word “cure” for PTSD, symptoms can be effectively treated so you can live a healthy, fulfilling life. In medical terms, that’s called remission, which means you no longer meet the DSM-5-TR criteria for PTSD, says Aron Tendler, MD, diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology & American Board of Obesity Medicine. The DSM-5-TR (the go-to manual for diagnosing mental disorders) says PTSD involves:

• Experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event or sexual violence
• Reliving that trauma in persistent, distressing ways
• Avoiding reminders of the event
• Developing negative thoughts or emotions after the trauma
• Heightened arousal or reactivity that worsens after the trauma
• Symptoms lasting more than a month and causing distress or disruption in daily life
• Symptoms not explained by medication, substance use, or other illnesses

Mental health pros don’t just rely on checklists—they also use validated rating scales and clinical presentation. The gold standard for PTSD is the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5), alongside patient self-reports like the PTSD Checklist (PCL), Dr. Tendler says.

• A “clinically meaningful” response means a 6+ point drop on the CAPS-5
• A “robust” response means a 12+ point drop

Translation? There’s a range of symptom severity across PTSD cases. Some people get to the point where their trauma feels like just another memory, while others still need tools to manage lingering symptoms.

Here’s the good news: healing from PTSD is common. In fact, according to the National Center for PTSD:

• More than 50% of people who receive top therapies—like cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, or EMDR—no longer meet PTSD criteria
• 42% of those using medication alone go into remission

Still, if you’re speculating how to get rid of PTSD, you should know this: recovery isn’t usually a straight climb. You might have a breakthrough one week and hit a setback the next. That’s normal, especially early on. Symptoms tend to fade gradually, not instantly. The key? Patience, persistence, and the right treatment plan.

What are the most effective treatments for PTSD?

“Treatment for PTSD is about helping your brain reset—teaching your amygdala that the danger has passed and that it’s safe to let your guard down,” Dr. Eller says. “It’s not about ‘fixing what’s broken.’ It’s about guiding a healthy brain back into balance, so you can feel safe in your own life again." 

There are a variety of evidence-backed treatments—both traditional and novel—that can help your brain heal and reset. Let’s review the various options and what the science says about PTSD treatments.

Psychotherapy

Let’s start with the backbone of PTSD treatment: talk therapy. Several forms of psychotherapy have been studied extensively and shown to help, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and others.

Standard PTSD treatment guidelines recommend trauma-focused psychotherapies as the first-line approach, because they typically produce greater and more durable symptom improvement than medication alone.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s an umbrella for different approaches focused on how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. At its core, CBT operates on three big ideas:

• Unhelpful thinking can fuel psychological distress.
• Learned behavior patterns can keep symptoms going.
• You can learn new ways to cope—and feel better.

Two of the most effective CBT types for PTSD are:

• Cognitive processing therapy for PTSD: You and your therapist identify thoughts around the trauma that may not be accurate, and work to reframe them.
• Prolonged exposure (PE) for PTSD: You gradually face the thoughts and situations you’ve been avoiding, learning they’re not as dangerous as they feel.

Research strongly supports CBT as a safe and effective treatment for both acute and chronic PTSD across age groups. But here’s the reality check: it doesn’t work for everyone. Older research found that nonresponse rates can hit 50%, often due to co-occurring conditions or the type of trauma experienced. Plus, the very nature of exposure therapy can be so emotionally intense that many people drop out.

EMDR

Developed in the late ’80s, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) helps people reprocess traumatic memories. During sessions, you focus on a back-and-forth motion (like moving lights or sounds) while recalling distressing events. The goal? To reduce the emotional charge tied to the memory.

While there’s still debate about how EMDR works (and whether the eye movements are key), plenty of research supports its effectiveness. The American Psychological Association even lists it as a second-line treatment option for PTSD. Bonus: EMDR can be done virtually, making it a great fit for telehealth and expanding access.

Group therapy

You’re not alone—and that’s exactly the point of group therapy. This setting offers a space to connect with others who’ve experienced trauma and truly get it.

After trauma, it’s common to feel isolated or misunderstood. Group therapy can help you rebuild that sense of connection while offering tools like:

• Coping skills and emotional support
• Greater empathy and self-awareness
• A safe place to express emotions
• Motivation from shared experiences

While research on group therapy is still catching up, it’s promising, especially for exposure-based group CBT. A recent meta-analysis supports it as a viable option, particularly when access to individual therapy is limited. However, factors like trauma type and gender can influence how effective group therapy is.

Narrative exposure therapy

Trauma can hijack your personal narrative, making your past feel like your entire identity. Narrative exposure therapy (NET) helps you take that story back.

Designed for survivors of repeated trauma (like refugees or those with complex PTSD), NET guides you in creating a chronological life story that includes—but doesn’t center on—traumatic events. The goal is to help you process these events in context, reclaim your identity, and restore your sense of dignity and agency.

Typically done over 4–10 sessions, NET has shown promise in reducing PTSD symptoms, especially in older adults. One meta-analysis found significant improvements post-treatment and at follow-up. That said, researchers caution that more high-quality studies are needed due to variability in the data.

Interventional treatments

Talk therapy and meds don’t work for everyone. In fact, many people with PTSD only get partial relief, if any. That’s why researchers are exploring new tools that go beyond the traditional treatment playbook. Here’s a look at some promising (and often misunderstood) options.

TMS

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific parts of the brain, and it’s already FDA-cleared for many conditions, including major depression.

In PTSD, brain circuits that regulate fear and stress responses get knocked out of sync. TMS aims to “reset” those faulty connections, especially in the prefrontal cortex. Both High-frequency and iTBS stimulation with TMS has shown better outcomes on PTSD symptoms. One study compared low and high frequency approaches, and found both effective.

So far, early studies are promising, with relatively mild side effects (like headaches or scalp discomfort). But it’s not for everyone: People with metal implants near the treatment area should steer clear, and if you have epilepsy, your physician should evaluate the risk of seizure before undergoing treatment.

Prism Neurofeedback

Trauma rewires your brain and changes the way brain cells react. Neurofeedback is a way of exercising your brain cells, training them to react in a more helpful, healthier way. You wear a cap with electrodes that read your brainwaves (EEG), which are translated into real-time visual or audio cues. Over time, you learn how to regulate your own brain activity (kind of like exercise for emotional control).  During this treatment, unlike talk therapy, there is no reliving the trauma in the therapy–or any talking at all.

Older versions of Neurofeedback have been used for decades to treat anxiety and ADHD, but now it’s being adapted–thanks to AI– for PTSD. One FDA-cleared tool, Prism for PTSD, is an adjunct treatment that targets a brain circuit connecting the amygdala and prefrontal cortex—two key players in emotional regulation.

Meta-analyses suggest neurofeedback can ease PTSD symptoms and reduce related depression and anxiety across diverse trauma populations. And unlike traditional exposure therapy, it doesn’t require you to relive trauma, which can sometimes overwhelm or stall the healing process.

“This is the advantage of Prism,” Dr. Tendler says. Rather than fixating on the traumatic event—which can cause some people to get stuck—it focuses on building skills for relaxation, stress reduction, and modulation of the amygdala and emotional regulation network,” he explains. “This makes it an appealing, drug-free option for those seeking alternatives to medication or talk therapy.”

Ketamine and esketamine

Ketamine, once known only as an anesthetic, is now being explored as a treatment for PTSD. Typically administered via IV in a supervised setting, ketamine may boost brain plasticity and increase activity in areas like the prefrontal cortex.

Some studies show it can reduce PTSD symptoms within 24 hours of the first dose, with effects lasting up to four weeks. Esketamine—an FDA-approved nasal spray version—has also shown promise in early trials, particularly for complex PTSD and depression.

Still, more research is needed to understand who benefits most and how to safely deliver these therapies, given the risk for people with substance use or psychotic disorders.

MDMA-assisted therapy

MDMA (aka the main ingredient in molly or ecstasy) has earned a reputation as a party drug, but emerging research aims to reclaim the drug as a viable treatment option for those living with PTSD. When combined with psychotherapy in a clinical setting, MDMA-assisted therapy, initial results looked promising. However, prominent journals retracted the later findings due to serious violations of research ethics. These retractions shocked many in the field.  

Currently, MDMA is still a Schedule I substance and only available in approved research settings. In August 2024, the FDA advisory panel overwhelmingly recommended against approval of MDMA-assisted therapy as a treatment for PTSD, citing concerns with flawed data and patient safety. Further studies, with appropriate oversight, will help replicate earlier findings. If approved, it could be a game-changer for people who haven’t responded to other treatments.

That said, side effects like cardiovascular stress and potential neurotoxicity must be closely monitored. And, to be crystal clear, MDMA bought on the street is not recommended—only 48% of “street” MDMA is actually what it claims!

Virtual reality exposure

Virtual reality (VR) is making exposure therapy more immersive—and more customizable. By simulating real-life trauma scenarios (like combat scenes for veterans), VR exposure therapy helps people confront their memories in a safe, controlled environment.

This repeated exposure, with sights, sounds, even smells and tactile sensations, gradually desensitizes the brain’s fear response. Early studies in military populations show promising results.

Still, the data is limited, especially outside military trauma. VR therapy might be too intense for some, and future studies will need to personalize virtual experiences for a wider range of trauma types, and none has received an FDA label. Medical VR remains an active area of review for the FDA.

Medications

Trauma changes the way our brain cells communicate and how our body responds to perceived threats. Medication can help dampen these changes by adjusting the balance of neurotransmitters to promote healthier connections.

Dr. Tendler says “Medication alone isn’t usually the first choice for treating PTSD since other therapies are often more effective. Still, for some people, certain PTSD medications can work as a solid supporting player in their treatment plan.”

Here's what you need to know.

SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the gold standard when it comes to meds for PTSD. Two in particular—sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil)—are FDA-approved specifically for PTSD.

How they work: SSRIs boost serotonin, a brain chemical that helps regulate mood, sleep, and stress. In clinical trials, people with PTSD have demonstrated improvement in symptoms, which is thought to be due to increasing serotonin in the space between neurons.  

Heads up on side effects: Some people experience nausea, dizziness, sweating, headaches, or sexual side effects like low libido or trouble orgasming. Weight gain and high cholesterol can also be problematic for some.

SNRIs

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)—like venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta)—work a lot like SSRIs, but they target two brain chemicals instead of one: serotonin and norepinephrine.

The benefits: Boosting both neurotransmitters may help with mood and anxiety symptoms tied to PTSD.

The drawbacks: there are potentially worse side effects than SSRIs, including increased blood pressure and more difficult withdrawal.

Prazosin

This one might surprise you: Prazosin, a blood pressure medication, is often used to treat nightmares and sleep issues in people with PTSD. That’s a big deal, considering up to 70% of folks with PTSD struggle with sleep (and poor sleep is tied to a higher risk of suicide).

Here’s how prazosin for PTSD works: PTSD can cause a surge in norepinephrine, a stress hormone that ramps up nightmares and restlessness. Prazosin blocks the effects on the brain’s alpha-1-adrenergic receptors, dialing down that hyperactive stress response and helping you rest.

Bonus: Several studies support prazosin’s effectiveness in reducing PTSD-related sleep disturbances.

Nightware

Nightware is an FDA-breakthrough device that treats Nightmare disorder. It’s an AI-powered device that syncs with an Apple watch. Patients wear it in their sleep, and it uses machine learning to evaluate when patients are about to have a nightmare, then vibrates gently to knock the nightmare off its track. It’s been demonstrated in clinical trials too! 

Stellate ganglion block

People with PTSD often live in a constant state of hyperarousal, thanks to an overactive sympathetic nervous system—the part of the body that fuels the fight-or-flight response. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) therapy is designed to quiet that system and, in turn, ease those unrelenting symptoms.

SGB involves a quick injection of local anesthetic into a bundle of nerves in the neck called the stellate ganglion, located on either side of the voice box. By temporarily blocking the nerves, the procedure helps hit pause on hyperarousal. It’s minimally invasive, generally safe, takes less than 30 minutes, and for some, the relief is almost immediate.

The evidence is promising. In one study of military members with PTSD, more than 70% who received a right-sided SGB reported clinically meaningful improvements in their PTSD Checklist (PCL) scores that lasted three to six months after treatment. Another study in non-military patients showed that while a small percentage (4.4%) didn’t respond to a right-sided injection, they did improve significantly with a left-sided SGB, suggesting that targeting either side can make a difference.

Complementary therapies  

When it comes to treating PTSD, sometimes the best breakthroughs happen off the couch. From gentle movement to needle pokes, these outside-the-box therapies may help quiet your nervous system and reconnect you with your body.

Trauma-sensitive yoga

Trauma-sensitive yoga isn’t about pushing your body—it’s about reclaiming it. Unlike traditional yoga, trauma-informed sessions are built with emotional safety in mind. Teachers know participants may be navigating trauma, so they modify practices to reduce vulnerability.

This mindful, choice-driven approach helps people tune into their bodies without feeling overwhelmed. One qualitative study found trauma-sensitive yoga increased emotional regulation, helped participants feel safe in their bodies again, and even promoted personal growth off the mat, boosting self-worth, self-agency, and connection to others.

A 2023 meta-analysis found 13 studies that demonstrated trauma-informed yoga to be safe, effective,and feasible in women with PTSD. 

Acupuncture

Yep, acupuncture might actually help with PTSD. Early research suggests it can positively affect brain structure, regulate stress hormone systems, and calm the nervous system. The approach may seem “woo-woo,” but serious scientists have done large scale studies, with powerful results across hundreds of patients in replicated randomized-controlled trials. 

What does PTSD recovery actually look like?

Wondering how to heal from PTSD? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all path, but PTSD recovery is possible.

For many people, PTSD symptoms fade over time (sometimes even without formal treatment), Dr. Tendler says. In fact, most trauma survivors don’t meet the criteria for PTSD one year after the event. That’s because most people are surprisingly resilient, often finding ways to cope through support systems, routines, and inner strength.

But for many others, the journey can take longer. If you’re still struggling months or even years after trauma, it doesn’t mean you’re broken. Everyone heals at their own pace.

Sometimes the first steps toward healing from PTSD can feel the hardest. Starting therapy or opening up about your trauma might stir up big emotions, triggers, and overwhelm—but that’s totally normal. It’s a sign your brain is beginning to process what’s been buried. The rawness means you’re doing the work.

Still, this type of path isn’t for everyone. And that’s totally okay. You can still recover from PTSD without having to rehash the past or feel uncomfortable feelings. With treatments like Prism and TMS, you don't need to talk about traumatic experiences. The focus is simply on helping the brain heal. 

Whichever road you take, keep in mind: Recovery isn’t linear. You might feel like you’re making progress one week and hit a wall the next. That doesn’t mean you’re failing. Setbacks are part of healing—and being human. Symptoms usually improve gradually, not overnight. So, be patient with yourself.

Here are a few ways to stay grounded and manage tough moments on the road to recovery:

• Stick to your treatment plan and talk with your healthcare provider about what’s working—and what’s not.
• Move your body—exercise, yoga, or even a short walk can help ease stress.
• Maintain routines for meals, sleep, and self-care whenever possible.
• Set small, realistic goals and focus on what’s within your control.
• Stay connected. Talk to trusted friends or family about what you’re going through.
• Avoid alcohol or drugs—they may seem like a quick fix, but they are associated with symptoms worsening over time.

How to find treatment and support for PTSD

Graphic: How to find PTSD treatment and support

• Locate a qualified therapist who specializes in trauma care and uses evidence-based treatments.
• Join a support group to find connection and community with others who get it.
• Explore clinical trials to be a part of cutting-edge research into PTSD treatments.
• Get crisis help (anytime)
  
  • Call 988 or text for 24/7 support
  • In an emergency? Call 911

Looking for PTSD support but not sure where to start? You’re not alone, and the right help is out there. Whether you’re ready to dive into therapy, curious about alternative options, or need immediate crisis care, here’s how to take that first step toward healing.

Choosing the right provider matters

Therapy can be life-changing, but only if your provider is trained in trauma-specific care. Make sure the physician or therapist you see has experience treating PTSD and uses evidence-based approaches, says Dr. Tendler.

When meeting a new provider, ask:

• Do you have experience treating trauma survivors?
• What therapies do you use for PTSD (like cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, or EMDR)?
• Do you prescribe medications for PTSD, and if so, which ones?
• What insurance do you take, and what are the out-of-pocket costs?

Pro Tip: Don’t have insurance or can’t afford therapy? You have options...
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1. Contact your state’s health department to find low-cost or government-funded clinics. 
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2. If there is an academic medical center in your community, find out if you can be seen at the resident training clinic.

Need help finding a qualified PTSD provider? These directories can connect you to trauma-informed professionals:

• Cognitive processing therapy provider roster
• Prolonged exposure therapist locator – Emory University
• Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (directory of therapists trained in prolonged exposure) – Penn Medicine
• EMDR International Association therapist locator
• International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) clinician directory
• American Psychological Association (APA) psychologist locator

Finding PTSD support groups that get it

Sometimes the best support comes from people who’ve been there. Peer groups offer community, validation, and healing outside of a clinical setting.

Check out:

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America – Listings for PTSD and related conditions.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Use their helpline or site to find groups near you.
• Trauma Survivors Network (TSN) – In-person and virtual support for survivors and caregivers. 

Join a clinical trial

Clinical trials can offer cutting-edge care, and help shape the future of PTSD therapies. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) supports trials across the country exploring new PTSD treatments and strategies.

Ask your provider if joining a trial is right for you. And remember, while you may benefit, the main goal of research is to improve treatment for others down the line. Learn more at clinicaltrials.gov.

The bottom line

It may feel like PTSD has taken over your life, but it doesn’t get the final say. With the right tools, support, and treatments, you can absolutely heal. And whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’ve tried it all and still feel stuck, know this: you're not broken, and you're not alone.

Ready to take the next step? Radial is here to help you access fast-acting, cutting-edge, evidence-based PTSD treatments that meet you where you are—virtually or in-person. You’ll work with licensed clinicians who take the time to listen, understand your experience, and create a plan tailored to you.

Key takeaways

• PTSD is treatable—and there are many paths to healing, from talk therapy to cutting-edge treatments like TMS, ketamine, and MDMA-assisted therapy.
• CBT, EMDR, and exposure-based therapies are the gold standard for talk therapy—but alternatives like TMS, neurofeedback, trauma-sensitive yoga, and acupuncture show real promise too.
• Medication isn’t one-size-fits-all, but SSRIs, SNRIs, and prazosin can help manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, and nightmares.
• Healing isn’t linear—it’s normal to feel worse before you feel better. That discomfort? It means you’re doing the work.
• Support is out there—whether through a therapist, peer group, or clinical trial, there’s help for every stage of the journey.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What percentage of PTSD patients recover?

Recovering from PTSD is quite common. According to the National Center for PTSD, more than 50 percent of people who receive one of the three leading therapies—cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, or EMDR—no longer meet the criteria for PTSD.

Can PTSD go away without treatment?

Sometimes—especially early on. Many people experience natural recovery, where symptoms fade within a few months without formal treatment. Social support, sticking to routines, and making meaning of what happened all boost your chance of bouncing back.

If symptoms linger for two years or more, “it’s unlikely they’ll resolve without help,” Dr. Tendler says. At that point, reaching out for professional help for PTSD is an important next step.  You don’t have to wait that long, of course, especially if the symptoms are severe.

Does weed help with PTSD?

While some people report cannabis eases anxiety, helps with sleep, and dials down PTSD symptoms, the research is still thin.

Some early studies suggest THC and CBD may help reduce inflammation in the brain (a known factor in PTSD), and animal research backs that up. But most human studies are small and low quality, so we can’t draw firm conclusions. 

To complicate things, THC—the main “high”-producing compound—can also increase brain inflammation, especially with heavy, long-term use or in vulnerable groups like teens. Whether cannabis helps or harms likely depends on the dose, how often you use it, your brain health, and other chemical factors.

In short: While weed might give temporary relief, it’s not a proven or reliable PTSD treatment. In fact, it can sometimes make things worse, leading to tolerance, dependence, or other issues. That’s why the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD (2023) advises against using cannabis for PTSD. We need much better research before we know if it’s truly safe or effective.

Does TMS work for PTSD?

TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is being researched as a treatment for PTSD. It’s already FDA-cleared for depression, and studies show it may help with PTSD symptoms too, especially by targeting the prefrontal cortex, which plays a big role in managing fear and stress.

Side effects are usually mild (think: scalp discomfort or headaches), but it’s not for everyone. People with epilepsy or metal implants near the brain should steer clear.

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