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PTSD Treatment in Los Angeles 

Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA) offers adult PTSD care through psychiatric evaluation, medication management, IV Ketamine, and coordination with trauma-focused therapists. We also assess selected additional interventional options and treatment for co-occurring depression when appropriate.

Trauma-focused psychotherapy has the strongest guideline support for PTSD. Medication is another established option. Your plan should reflect your symptoms, prior care, preferences, and safety.

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Your free phone consultation is with a care coordinator about appointments, fit, and payment. You do not need to describe your trauma to schedule. Clinical evaluation and treatment are separate services.
Adults 18+
Los Angeles Appointments
California Telehealth Psychiatry

Is KCLA a good fit for your PTSD care?

An evaluation may help if nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, emotional numbness, or feeling constantly on guard are affecting daily life. We also see adults seeking a medication review or help with PTSD alongside depression, anxiety, or sleep difficulties.

KCLA provides scheduled outpatient care. If you need a dedicated course of EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, or an intensive trauma program, ask about outside referral options.

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Compare PTSD treatment options

These services have different evidence and indications. This display order is not a treatment sequence.

Option Role in PTSD care Main consideration
Medication Established options for PTSD and associated symptoms. Choice depends on the diagnosis, response, and side effects.
IV Ketamine Highly effective, rapid-acting treatment. Particularly effective when depression also needs treatment. Off-label for PTSD.
TMS Selected off-label PTSD care or a separate qualifying depression diagnosis. KCLA's standard MagVenture PTSD use is off-label; clearance is system-specific.
Spravato A separate qualifying adult depression diagnosis. Not approved for PTSD.
Therapy Trauma-focused therapy for core PTSD symptoms. KCLA offers psychiatric support and coordination with trained therapists.

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PTSD treatment options at KCLA

PTSD medication management

Sertraline and paroxetine are FDA-approved for PTSD, and venlafaxine has strong guideline support. Prazosin may be considered for PTSD-related nightmares. Benzodiazepines are generally recommended against for PTSD. Medication decisions account for your symptoms, other conditions, health, and prior response. KCLA provides medication selection, adjustment, and monitoring when appropriate. Do not stop a medication abruptly without prescriber guidance.

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IV ketamine for PTSD

IV ketamine for PTSD is off-label. Experience and trials show a high probability of relief. A separate assessment may indicate its use for co-occurring treatment-resistant depression as well, where IV ketamine is also off-label. KCLA discusses the treatment target, evidence, risks, and alternatives before making a recommendation.

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TMS for PTSD

KCLA's standard MagVenture use for PTSD is off-label. FDA clearance for a separate system incorporating MagVenture equipment does not automatically extend to KCLA's protocols. Your clinician should explain the exact treatment and its regulatory status.2,3 Research on TMS for PTSD continues to develop. TMS may also be considered for a separate qualifying major-depression diagnosis. We review the schedule and coverage before treatment

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Spravato for PTSD

Spravato is not approved for PTSD. It may apply when a patient separately qualifies for an approved adult depression indication. Treatment requires a REMS-certified setting and at least two hours of monitoring because of risks including sedation, dissociation, respiratory depression, and misuse. Do not drive until the next day after restful sleep.4Ask about current availability and start dates.

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Trauma-focused therapy and coordination

Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have strong guideline support. These structured therapies address trauma-related memories, beliefs, and avoidance.

KCLA psychiatric visits may include supportive psychotherapy. We can coordinate with an outside trauma-focused therapist with your permission. Supportive visits do not replace a dedicated course of trauma-focused therapy.

When PTSD treatment has not helped enough

Your clinician can review whether prior therapy and medication were well matched and adequate, along with depression, sleep, substance use, medical problems, or traumatic brain injury. The next step may be a different trauma therapy, medication adjustment, coordinated depression treatment, or referral for more intensive care.

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Insurance Accepted & Payment Options

KCLA accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare, for TMS, Spravato, and Psychiatric Care. Some plans may also cover IV Ketamine. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and treatment. Our team can verify your benefits and explain estimated out-of-pocket costs before you begin.

Self-pay financing options include up to 24 months interest-free, subject to eligibility and financing terms.

aetna Anthem Blue-Shield Carelon Cigna Compsych Enthea Kaiser Magellan Medicare MHN Optum Tricare TRIWEST

Understanding PTSD

 

Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. PTSD can affect anyone, including veterans and first responders. Symptoms last longer than one month and cause meaningful distress or impairment; a clinician determines whether diagnostic criteria are met.5

  • Intrusion: distressing memories, nightmares, or flashbacks.
  • Avoidance: avoiding reminders of the trauma, thoughts, or feelings.
  • Mood and thinking changes: guilt, shame, numbness, disconnection, or negative beliefs.
  • Arousal changes: hypervigilance, irritability, exaggerated startle, and poor sleep or concentration.

Trauma characteristics, previous experiences, biological factors, and available support can affect risk. PTSD may coexist with depression, anxiety, substance use, chronic pain, or dissociative symptoms. Diagnosis involves reviewing the history and pattern of symptoms and considering possible alternative explanations. Questionnaires can support assessment; no blood test or brain scan alone establishes PTSD.5

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What to expect at KCLA

1.

Discuss appointments and fit

A coordinator reviews logistics and payment questions without requiring a detailed trauma narrative.

2.

Complete a private evaluation

A psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner reviews symptoms, health, safety, prior treatment, and goals.

3.

Review care options

Discuss the treatment target, evidence, alternatives, time commitment, and estimated costs.

4.

Follow your progress

Assess symptom measures, functioning, side effects, and coordination with other clinicians.

Why choose KCLA for anxiety care

KCLA has served Los Angeles since 2014. You can receive psychiatric and interventional services within one practice, with monitored infusion care and coordination with your existing clinicians. Treatment decisions take your prior experience and preferences into account. Meet the KCLA care team.

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Your KCLA Providers
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Kathleen Lopez, MD

Psychiatrist, Double Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Kathleen Lopez, MD

Kathleen Lopez, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry as well as child and adolescent psychiatry at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a pre-medical focus from Pacific Union College and her medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine. She completed her adult psychiatry residency at the University of California, Riverside, and a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at UCLA, where she also served as Administrative Chief.


Dr. Lopez is deeply passionate about expanding access to high-quality mental health care, with a special focus on neurodiverse youth and adults. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is committed to providing inclusive, compassionate care that supports individuals and families in meaningful and culturally responsive ways.


She was drawn to Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles for its collaborative culture and shared commitment to patient-centered care. Outside the clinic, Dr. Lopez enjoys crocheting, weight lifting, camping, and growing her home library. She also has a background in vocal music and continues to hold a lifelong love for music.

Pascal Stirnimann, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Pascal Stirnimann, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified

Pascal Stirnimann, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Pascal Strinimann is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Miami and both a Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Columbia University. He specializes in treating mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, and impulse control disorders across the lifespan.


Pascal has experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, including training at a women’s shelter in New York City. His clinical background supports a comprehensive and compassionate approach to psychiatric evaluation and treatment.


He takes a holistic, family-informed approach and works closely with clients through shared decision-making to develop personalized treatment plans that support emotional health, functional improvement, and long-term wellness.  Outside the clinic, Pascal enjoys spending time outdoors biking, running, or hiking, or indoors cooking and catching up on movies and TV.

Appointments and payment

Visit KCLA at 6801 Park Terrace, Suite 525, Los Angeles, CA 90045, in Playa District. Patient care hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific. Psychiatry may be available by telehealth while you are physically in California; IV ketamine, TMS, and Spravato require clinic visits.

KCLA accepts most health insurance, which usually covers psychiatry, depending on the plan, clinician, and service. TMS or Spravato generally requires a separate qualifying diagnosis and authorization. IV ketamine for anxiety is commonly self-pay. Benefits checks and estimates do not guarantee payment.

Self-pay psychiatry is $400 for a 60-minute evaluation and $200 for a 30-minute follow-up.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I see a PTSD psychiatrist at KCLA?

Yes, subject to availability. You may see a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Do I have to describe my trauma on the first call?

No. The coordinator call covers fit, appointments, and logistics. Detailed clinical history belongs in your private evaluation.

Is TMS FDA-cleared for PTSD?

Clearance depends on the system. The MeRT system has a specific adjunctive PTSD clearance. This does not give every MagVenture setup that indication; KCLA's standard MagVenture PTSD use is off-label.[2,3]

Can treatment also address depression?

Yes. Co-occurring depression deserves its own assessment. Its treatment options and coverage differ from those for PTSD, and trauma-focused care may still be needed.

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Discuss your next step

If trauma-related symptoms are affecting daily life or prior care has not helped enough, talk with our team about an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

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Urgent help: KCLA is not an emergency service. Call 911 for immediate danger or a medical emergency. For suicidal or emotional crisis support in the United States, call or text 988. This page is educational; diagnosis, eligibility, and treatment require individual clinical evaluation. Results vary.

 

Medical sources

1 MagVenture FDA clearances and the MeRT distinction
2FDA clearance for the MeRT system, K260402
3 Spravato prescribing information
4 NIMH guidance on PTSD
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