When trauma enters our lives, it takes a long time to overcome it. For some, the impact of this trauma is too great to go away on its own. Even with treatments like therapy and medication, some people face post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms for life.

PTSD refers to a collection of mental health symptoms that arise in response to severe trauma. People with severe PTSD may find their lives completely disrupted by their symptoms. When this happens, it’s important to have a support network in place to make sure you have all the help you need to live a fulfilling, authentic life with PTSD.

In this article, Ability Central addresses long-term care and support questions for people with post-traumatic stress disorder, including the following:

• Does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover PTSD?
• What medical and financial aid programs assist people with PTSD in the United States?
• What is a PTSD treatment center?
• Where can I find a PTSD treatment center near me?
• How can I support a loved one with long-term PTSD? 
• How do I take care of myself while taking care of someone with PTSD?
• What support groups are available for people with PTSD and their caregivers?
• Where can I get more information about PTSD and related conditions?

Does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder, also called PTSD, involves a series of mental health symptoms like anxiety, depression, and flashbacks that can become debilitating without care. To learn more about PTSD and its symptoms, see Trauma Responses: Symptoms and Types of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

When PTSD symptoms are so severe that they make someone unable to work, they still have options. 

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides a person with depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions with protection from discrimination and harassment at work. In addition, people with PTSD have workplace privacy rights and the right to reasonable accommodations.

For more information on seeking PTSD accommodations at work or in school, visit the Job Accommodation Network (JAN)’s page on PTSD resources.

What medical and financial aid programs assist people with PTSD in the United States?

PTSD care can be costly. Between therapist visits, medications, doctors’ appointments, and income lost due to PTSD symptoms, the average annual cost of PTSD per person for active and retired military is $25,684. For non-military, the cost of care is $18,640 per person.

There are multiple options to offset that cost of care, including: 

• Medicare covers people with permanent disabilities and those 65 years old or older. Outpatient therapy is covered by Medicare Part B. Inpatient therapy is covered by Medicare Part A. Medications could fall under the coverage of Medicare Part D.
• Medicaid covers people with disabilities who have lower incomes. As the largest payer of mental health in the United States, it covers many of the needs of people with PTSD. Specifics of coverage vary by state.
• The Affordable Care Act (ACA) may also assist those who qualify. Mental and behavioral health services are considered essential health benefits.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers PTSD a disability. A person can qualify for disability assistance if they meet the Blue Book qualifications, including the inability to work full-time.
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers both medical coverage and monthly payments to veterans who have PTSD as a result of their service.

It’s important to note that some experimental PTSD therapies, like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EDMR) therapy, may not be covered under private health insurance or government funding programs. Always discuss your options with a financial planner or insurance representative before committing to a new treatment. 

To learn more about PTSD treatment options, see Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: What Should I Do if I’m Diagnosed with PTSD?

What is a PTSD treatment center?

Inpatient treatment for PTSD is typically recommended for individuals who require intensive care. It can benefit people with severe symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and panic attacks.

A PTSD residential treatment center is an inpatient facility that offers the following:

• A safe and supportive environment. 
• Personalized treatment plans to meet individual needs. 
• A structured program that includes individual and group therapy.
• Medication management.
• Holistic and alternative care options like yoga, meditation, and art or music therapy.

Most importantly, a care facility offers a sense of community with people who understand each other’s experiences. This can be transformative for people with PTSD, especially those who feel isolated or disconnected from the world due to their symptoms. 

Where can I find a PTSD treatment center near me?

Many doctors’ offices, hospital networks, Veterans Affairs organizations, and private health insurance companies maintain databases of trusted facilities and specialists. 

If you’re not sure where to start, Ability Central offers a searchable nonprofit database that can connect you with PTSD treatment centers, therapists, and support options near you.

How can I support a loved one with long-term PTSD? 

The social impacts of PTSD are often the most difficult symptoms to deal with. This can be true for both people with PTSD and the people who love them. When someone is first diagnosed with PTSD, the best way to help is by being patient, loving, and understanding as they adjust to new routines. 

Support for loved ones with long-term PTSD is much the same. Consider:

• Helping them stick to routines that give them comfort. 
• Encouraging them to do “normal” things unrelated to PTSD, like making friends, going to restaurants and movies, and spending time outdoors.
• Not getting frustrated if their symptoms unexpectedly worsen. PTSD is not a straightforward path, and people with PTSD need patience and understanding no matter where they are in their journey.
• Avoiding PTSD triggers. For example, someone who lived through a war might be triggered by the sound of fireworks. To help them avoid PTSD flashbacks and other symptoms, make a plan for holidays like the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. Noise-cancelling headphones, a calm environment, and gentle, stress-free activities can help someone with PTSD get through a difficult time.
• Rebuilding and maintaining trust by keeping promises, talking about the future, and ensuring your loved one knows you’ll always be there for them. 

How do I take care of myself while taking care of someone with PTSD?

For someone living with lifelong PTSD symptoms, it’s critical to have a trusted, loving support network. However, taking care of someone with PTSD can be emotionally, physically, and financially exhausting for both parties. 

With that in mind, it’s just as important for caregivers to feel supported, whole, and healthy. Make sure you’re taking time for yourself to recharge. Consider seeing a therapist of your own, attending a support group for caregivers of people with PTSD, or practicing mindfulness exercises like yoga, meditation, and journaling.

To learn more about how PTSD affects communication, see Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Causes, Types, and Communication Impacts. 

What support groups are available for people with PTSD and their caregivers?

The challenges associated with PTSD can be difficult to share with family members or loved ones who have not had PTSD themselves. A PTSD support group ensures you are with people who understand. 

Support groups for both the person with PTSD and their loved ones can help by offering information and connection. See the following resources for support groups near you and online:

• Ability Central lists support groups in their searchable database. 
• Make the Connection offers support groups through the VA.
• After Silence is an online support group for people who have dealt with sexual violence.
• CPTSD is an online support group with moderators and a message board. There is a small fee to join.
• MyPTSD is an online message board that is full of information. Members can post questions and personal experiences to receive information and support.
• The VA offers a Caregiver Support Program to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers of veterans.

Where can I get more information about PTSD?

Ability Central offers a series of articles to further your knowledge about PTSD. See:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Causes, Types, and Communication Impacts
• Trauma Responses: Symptoms and Types of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: What Should I Do if I’m Diagnosed with PTSD?

Our resource database also includes articles about mental health and support topics related to PTSD, including:

• 7 Facts You Might Not Know About Stuttering
• Echolalia: Is Repeating Words a Sign of Autism?
• How to Recognize the Early Signs of Muteness
• What is a Conservatorship? What You Need to Know About Adult Legal Guardianship