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A combination of psychotherapy and medications may be used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychotherapy may take place in a one-on-one or group setting. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) helps patients learn new skills to change reaction patterns to situations that typically trigger anxiety. Patients also learn about methods to redirect negative thought patterns that increase anxiety.

In addition, patients may be asked to intentionally relive their trauma in safe and controlled settings that allow them to gradually work through the trauma. This method of gradually exposing the patient to potentially traumatic stimuli and encouraging them to test new coping skills is known as exposure therapy.