Compassionate PTSD Counseling in Maryland
Recovery from trauma is possible. MBHO provides specialized, trauma-informed PTSD counseling through convenient virtual appointments, helping Maryland residents of all backgrounds, including veterans, process trauma, reduce symptoms, and reclaim their lives.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While many people experience trauma, not everyone develops PTSD. Those who do experience intense, prolonged symptoms that significantly impact daily functioning.
Important to know:
- PTSD is a legitimate medical condition, not a sign of weakness
- Trauma affects people differently, there’s no “right way” to react
- Recovery is absolutely possible with proper treatment
- About 3.5% of American adults have PTSD annually
- PTSD is highly treatable with specialized care
Types of Traumatic Events
Combat & Military Trauma:
- Direct combat exposure
- IED explosions or mortar fire
- Military sexual trauma (MST)
- Witnessing fellow soldiers injured or killed
- Moral injury from difficult decisions
Interpersonal Violence:
- Physical or sexual assault
- Rape or sexual abuse
- Domestic violence
- Childhood abuse
- Human trafficking
Accidents & Disasters:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Workplace accidents or injuries
- Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes)
- Plane or transportation crashes
- Industrial explosions
and many more……
How PTSD Manifests After Trauma
PTSD symptoms typically appear within days to weeks of trauma and fall into four categories:
Re-Experiencing Symptoms:
Intrusive reminders of the trauma that feel like it’s happening again.
- Flashbacks: Vivid, involuntary memories where you feel you’re re-experiencing the trauma
- Nightmares: Distressing dreams about the event (sometimes related, sometimes symbolic)
- Intrusive Thoughts: Unwanted memories or images that suddenly appear
- Emotional Triggers: Strong emotional reactions to reminders (sounds, smells, locations)
- Physical Reactions: Heart racing, sweating, trembling when reminded of trauma
- Anniversary Reactions: Heightened symptoms near the date or anniversary
Avoidance Symptoms:
Avoiding reminders of the trauma.
- Avoiding specific places, people, or activities connected to the event
- Avoiding discussions about what happened
- Avoiding driving (after accident trauma)
- Avoiding crowds (after violence or disaster)
- Avoiding news coverage or media related to trauma type
- Emotional numbing or avoiding feelings
Negative Changes in Thinking & Mood:
Persistent negative beliefs and emotional changes.
- Persistent negative beliefs about oneself (“I’m damaged,” “I’m to blame”)
- Persistent negative beliefs about others (“People are dangerous,” “I can’t trust anyone”)
- Blaming yourself or others for the trauma
- Pervasive negative emotions (fear, shame, guilt, anger)
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Feeling detached from family and friends
- Inability to recall important aspects of the traumatic event
- Feeling hopeless about the future
and many more…
Comprehensive Trauma-Focused Care
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
:
Full PTSD as described above, with significant symptoms lasting more than one month and substantially impairing functioning.
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD):
Similar symptoms to PTSD but occurring within one month of trauma. Early intervention can prevent PTSD development.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD):
Resulting from prolonged, repeated trauma (childhood abuse, domestic violence, combat exposure, captivity). Includes additional symptoms: persistent difficulty regulating emotions, negative self-perception, difficulty in relationships, distorted perception of perpetrator.
Moral Injury
Psychological impact of perpetrating, witnessing, or failing to prevent actions that violate one's moral code. Common in military, law enforcement, and healthcare. May accompany PTSD or occur independently.
Trauma-Related Grief
:
Normal grief complicated by trauma symptoms. Requires specialized treatment addressing both grief and trauma.
Childhood Trauma & Developmental Trauma:
Trauma occurring during critical developmental periods affecting attachment, emotional regulation, and self-concept. May require modified treatment approaches.
Trauma-Informed, Evidence-Based Care
Dr. Ngozika “Angie” Okoye brings almost three decades of healthcare expertise to treating anxiety, combining board certification in both Family Medicine and Mental Health with a compassionate, solution-oriented approach.
What Makes Dr. Angie's ADHD Treatment Different:
Trauma-Informed Foundation
Dr. Angie understands trauma’s impact on the brain, body, and relationships. Every aspect of treatment respects trauma survivors’ experiences and recognizes trauma’s universal effects. She creates a safe, empowering environment where healing can occur.
Long-Term Support
PTSD recovery takes time. Dr. Angie provides ongoing support through all phases, acute symptom management, processing trauma, rebuilding life, and preventing relapse.
Medical + Psychiatric Expertise
With dual board certification, Dr. Angie understands trauma’s physical health effects (chronic pain, immune dysfunction, cardiovascular effects) and integrates this knowledge into treatment planning.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Dr. Angie uses proven trauma treatments with strong research support, never minimizing or dismissing trauma survivors’ experiences.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Hear from real people who’ve transformed their mental health with MBHO
We Partner With Leading Providers
PTSD Counseling Throughout Maryland
MBHO provides virtual trauma-informed PTSD treatment to patients across Maryland:
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about PTSD treatment
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Trauma doesn't define you, and recovery is possible. You deserve support from someone who understands. Dr. Angie is here to help you heal.
Free 15-Minute Consultation
Unsure if PTSD treatment is right for you? Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your trauma history and explore treatment options.
Call or Text: (410) 357-1448