Ketamine for PTSD Treatment in North County San Diego

Ketamine Therapy for PTSD in San Diego

Are you living with the emotional and psychological effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Imagine feeling a sense of calm and freedom from the constant flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety associated with PTSD.

Ketamine treatment may be a promising option for you. Unlike traditional PTSD treatments, ketamine targets a different receptor in the brain, providing relief to those who have not found success with traditional treatment options.

Don’t wait any longer to take control of your life. Contact Luma Health & Wellness in San Diego, CA, to learn more about Ketamine for PTSD Treatment in North County San Diego.

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly known as PTSD, is a mental health condition that can arise after a person experiences or witnesses a terrifying, shocking, or dangerous event. While it’s often associated with military combat, PTSD can result from various traumatic experiences.

It’s important to understand that experiencing trauma doesn’t automatically mean someone will develop PTSD. Many people experience distressing symptoms initially, which often resolve over time. However, for some, these reactions persist, intensify, and interfere significantly with daily life – this is when PTSD may be diagnosed.

PTSD affects individuals differently, but common symptoms often involve reliving the event (through flashbacks or nightmares), avoiding situations that trigger memories, negative changes in beliefs and feelings, and feeling constantly ‘on edge’ or highly alert.

Developing PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It’s a complex reaction to overwhelming experiences. Fortunately, effective treatments are available, and seeking professional help is a key step towards recovery and managing symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of PTSD can be grouped into four main categories:

Intrusive memories : These include recurrent and distressing memories, nightmares, and flashbacks of the traumatic event. People with PTSD may feel like they are reliving the event and may have physical reactions, such as sweating or a racing heart, when these memories are triggered.

Avoidance : People with PTSD may try to avoid places, people, or activities that remind them of the traumatic event. They may also avoid talking about the event or expressing their feelings.

Negative changes in mood and cognition : People with PTSD may experience negative changes in their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. They may feel guilty, ashamed, or blame themselves or others for the traumatic event. They may also have trouble remembering important aspects of the event or have negative thoughts about themselves or the world.

Increased arousal and reactivity : People with PTSD may be easily startled, have difficulty sleeping, or feel on edge all the time. They may also have outbursts of anger, irritability, or aggression.

Causes of PTSD

PTSD is caused by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma is a subjective experience, and what may be traumatic for one person may not be for another. Some examples of traumatic events that can lead to PTSD include:

Military combat
Sexual or physical assault
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes
Accidents, such as car crashes or plane crashes
Terrorism
Witnessing violence, including domestic violence
Losing a loved one suddenly or in violent circumstances
Imprisonment or torture
Being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness

It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD.

Factors that can increase the risk of developing PTSD include:

Having a history of mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety
Having a history of trauma or abuse
Having a lack of social support
Having a job or lifestyle that exposes a person to traumatic events regularly

It’s also important to note that PTSD is not only caused by experiencing a traumatic event but also by witnessing one, or by learning that a traumatic event occurred to a close family member or friend. In addition, there may be other underlying psychological and biological factors that can contribute to the development of PTSD.

Support & Ketamine Treatment for PTSD

At Luma Health & Wellness, we provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care for individuals struggling with PTSD. Our approach is personalized, evidence-based, and designed to help you reclaim your life after trauma.

Our PTSD treatment plans may include:

Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy – Including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and exposure-based therapies
Medication Management – Thoughtfully prescribed antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, if appropriate
Mind-Body Therapies – Breathing techniques, meditation, and grounding practices to regulate the nervous system
Lifestyle Counseling – Support with sleep, movement, nutrition, and stress management strategies

We work side-by-side with each client to address both emotional healing and nervous system regulation, offering a path toward long-term recovery.

Debunking Myths About PTSD

❌ Myth: Only veterans get PTSD.

✅ Truth: PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed trauma—this includes survivors of assault, accidents, natural disasters, and more.

❌ Myth: PTSD means you’re weak or broken.

✅ Truth: PTSD is not a personal failing—it’s a biological and psychological response to overwhelming events.

❌ Myth: PTSD always goes away with time.

✅ Truth: Without treatment, PTSD can persist or even worsen. Professional support is essential for healing.

❌ Myth: If therapy or medication doesn’t work, nothing will.

✅ Truth: Many individuals with treatment-resistant PTSD find relief through ketamine infusion therapy, which acts through completely different brain pathways.