Surviving a difficult experience changes how the brain and body protect you. When those alarms do not quiet, daily life can feel like a constant threat. At Cura Mind and Wellness, patients across the Houston metro receive respectful, evidence-based treatment for post traumatic stress, with in person care in Richmond, TX and secure telehealth across Houston and Fort Bend County.
Care is led by Vivian Emuobe, MSN, BSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner experienced in trauma programs, women’s PHP and IOP leadership, and complex mood and anxiety care.
PTSD, trauma stress, and how they differ
Not every trauma response is PTSD. After a difficult event, many people experience acute stress, short term hypervigilance, nightmares, or avoidance. When symptoms persist beyond a month or disrupt work, sleep, and relationships, PTSD is considered. We also evaluate complex trauma, repeated or long term exposure that shapes beliefs and trust.
Common ways trauma shows up in Houston life
- Re-experiencing: nightmares, flashbacks, sudden images,
- Avoidance: people, places, or tasks that bring reminders,
- Negative thoughts and mood: guilt, shame, detachment,
- Hyperarousal: irritability, poor sleep, constant scanning.
These patterns shrink life, from avoiding freeways to skipping crowded events in Sugar Land or Katy.
How we evaluate PTSD and trauma
- Safety and stabilization: supports, medical concerns, and immediate risks,
- History and context: what happened, what helps, what makes symptoms worse,
- Validated measures: tools to track severity and progress,
- Co occurring conditions: depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance use, sleep disorders,
- Shared goals: sleeping through the night, driving again, reconnecting with family.
The evaluation is trauma informed, no forced disclosures, consent at each step.
Therapies that work
- Cognitive Behavioral therapy for trauma: education, skills, and gradual work with memories,
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): addressing stuck beliefs around blame, danger, or trust,
- Prolonged Exposure principles: careful exposure to memories and situations with grounding,
- Skills based strategies: grounding, breathing, and sleep routines for stabilization before deeper work.
If you already have a therapist, we collaborate. If you prefer telehealth, sessions are structured for privacy and effectiveness.
Medication that supports recovery
Medication can calm the alarm system so therapy works. We use SSRIs and related options, and may consider prazosin for nightmares. Pharmacogenomic gene testing at the Richmond office can reduce trial and error when past responses were difficult. For trauma linked to treatment resistant depression, we may discuss TMS therapy or IV ketamine.
The Cura method, stepwise and paced
- Stabilize first, safety, grounding, sleep, structure,
- Build skills, short exercises between sessions,
- Process memories, only when ready, using CPT or exposure work,
- Rebuild routines, gradual return to work and social settings,
- Prevent relapse, written plans for anniversaries, weather events, or triggers common in Houston.
You guide the pace, with clear options at each stage.
Practical care for Houston patients
We tailor recovery to real life:
- Telehealth sessions for consistency,
- In person follow ups in Richmond for exposure practice,
- Community based assignments, driving, elevators, or parking garages,
- Sleep and shift work planning for health care, energy, and service workers,
- Coordination with primary care or specialists when trauma overlaps with pain or medical illness.
Measuring progress
We track more than symptoms. Indicators include fewer nightmares, shorter panic spikes, reduced avoidance, and more time spent with family or at work. Even small steps–like driving a route without detours–signal progress.
A 12 week outline, flexible and realistic
- Weeks 1 to 2: stabilization, sleep plan, grounding,
- Weeks 3 to 6: begin CPT or exposure work, adjust medication if needed,
- Weeks 7 to 10: broaden avoided situations, rebuild routines,
- Weeks 11 to 12: relapse prevention, written plan, booster schedule.
FAQs – PTSD and Trauma Treatment in Houston and Richmond
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No. Many patients begin with skills and stabilization. Processing comes later, with your consent.
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Yes. Structured telehealth works well, and many exposures can be practiced at home or in community settings.
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Not always. Some patients improve with therapy alone, others benefit from combined care.
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Some patients notice improvement in weeks, others take longer. Progress is gradual but measurable.
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We design integrated treatment plans that address all conditions at once.
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Yes. We tailor treatment to the unique stressors faced in service and frontline roles.
Why patients choose Cura Mind and Wellness
- Board certified leadership, psychiatric nurse practitioner with trauma program experience,
- Trauma informed style, consent and cultural humility at every step,
- Integrated care, therapy, medication, gene testing, TMS, and IV ketamine within one practice,
- Local access, Richmond in person visits, telehealth across Houston,
- Practical strategies, recovery skills applied directly to daily life.
Start reclaiming your life
PTSD and trauma can narrow your world, but treatment can expand it again. At Cura Mind and Wellness, we provide structured, trauma informed care across Houston, with in person services in Richmond. Recovery is not about forgetting, it is about living without fear running the day.