PTSD: Our Approach

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This may include physical or emotional abuse, accidents, natural disasters, combat, sudden loss, or any deeply distressing experience. While PTSD is often associated with veterans or extreme trauma, it affects people from all walks of life including survivors of childhood trauma, medical events, or ongoing emotional stress.

According to the National Center for PTSD, about 6% of U.S. adults will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. The condition can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, emotional detachment, or a constant feeling of being “on edge.” Without proper treatment, PTSD can interfere with relationships, sleep, work, and spiritual peace—but healing is possible.

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“In Miami Lakes, I work with individuals whose trauma responses have remained active for years, often manifesting as hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, or sudden emotional shifts. Many patients arrive feeling confused about why they cannot relax, even in safe environments. Through trauma-focused therapy, we help the nervous system gradually return to baseline. They begin to feel emotionally regulated, often for the first time in years. Recovery from PTSD is possible when care is consistent and evidence-based.”

– Stephanie M. Cabrera, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC

Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms may appear within weeks of a traumatic event—or take years to surface. At South Florida Med Group, we help patients recognize how trauma continues to affect their mind and body so we can develop a personalized plan for recovery.

Common symptoms include:

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Intrusive Memories:

Flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted thoughts that replay the trauma.

Avoidance:

Steering clear of people, places, or topics that trigger distress.

Hypervigilance:

Always feeling on edge, easily startled, or emotionally tense.

Negative Mood Changes:

Persistent feelings of shame, guilt, sadness, or numbness.

Detachment:

Withdrawing from loved ones or losing interest in activities.

Sleep Disturbances:

Insomnia, night terrors, or restless sleep.

Irritability or Anger:

Feeling reactive, agitated, or emotionally volatile.

Difficulty Trusting:

Challenges with vulnerability, safety, or connection.

Our Approach
To Treating PTSD

At South Florida Med Group, our goal is to treat anxiety with depth and purpose not just to mask the symptoms, but to equip each patient with the tools and support they need to live with clarity and peace. Our integrated model addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of anxiety through:

Our care model includes:

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Detailed psychiatric assessments that explore your trauma history.

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Trauma-informed therapy including
CBT and mindfulness strategies.

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Medication support when appropriate for anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances.

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Faith-centered guidance that helps rebuild trust, identity, and hope.

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Lifestyle recommendations to support nervous system regulation.

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Tools for grounding, emotional safety, & long-term resilience.

We create a calm, supportive environment where healing can happen, one step at a time.

Insurance & Accessibility

We accept a variety of major insurance plans to make care as accessible as possible. If you’re unsure about coverage, our team is happy to help verify your benefits and walk you through your options. Our goal is to remove barriers so you can focus on what matters most getting better.

We accept these insurance:

Solis Health Plans coverage accepted for psychiatry and primary care visits

Preferred Care Partners UnitedHealthcare coverage accepted for mental health visits

Preferred Care Network UnitedHealthcare plan accepted for care in Miami Lakes FL

Cigna health plan accepted for psychiatry and primary care in Miami Lakes FL

TRICARE coverage accepted for military families and veterans seeking psychiatric care

Florida Blue health plan accepted for psychiatry and primary care in Miami Lakes FL

Curative health plan accepted for psychiatry and primary care appointments

Aetna health plan accepted for primary care and mental health visits

Oscar health plan accepted for telehealth and primary care visits in Miami Lakes

Insurance & Accessibility

TRICARE military health plan accepted at South Florida Med Group in Miami Lakes FL

Our Team

Meet the Team Behind Your Care

Stephanie M Cabrera PMHNP-BC in a white coat with stethoscope at South Florida Med Group in Miami Lakes

“With dual board certifications in family and psychiatric care, Stephanie brings a holistic and heart-centered approach to healthcare. She’s passionate about helping patients feel seen, heard, and truly supported—whether they’re navigating anxiety, chronic conditions, or simply working toward a healthier life!”

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“Backed by credentials in life purpose and emotional wellness coaching, Danny offers a clear and empowering path toward aligned living. He’s passionate about helping people feel seen, supported, and deeply connected to what they’re truly meant to do. Using a blend of reflective inquiry, goal-setting, and mindset work, he creates a safe space for growth and lasting change.”

Testimonials

Care That Makes a Difference

Hear from people whose lives have been transformed through our support.

Rebecca N.

"After surviving a violent car accident, I couldn’t sleep, drive, or even relax in my own home. PTSD had taken over my life. The team at South Florida Med Group helped me slowly process what happened and gave me real tools to manage the fear. I’m not just functioning—I’m living again."

Samuel J.

"For years, I carried trauma from my childhood and never talked about it. I thought avoiding it made me strong. But the anxiety and emotional shutdown never went away. South Florida Med Group helped me open up at my own pace. Now I finally feel like I’m not just surviving—I’m healing."

Michelle D.

"I was hesitant to seek help after leaving a toxic relationship. I didn’t want to relive the past. But the care I received here was gentle, respectful, and so reassuring. They helped me feel safe again, both emotionally and spiritually. I’ve started sleeping through the night, something I hadn’t done in years."

Anthony S.

"My PTSD started after working in emergency response for over a decade. I didn’t think anyone would understand. South Florida Med Group not only understood—they made me feel like I wasn’t broken. Their integrated care plan helped me manage triggers and rebuild my routines with clarity."

Evelyn B.

"Living with PTSD meant never really feeling ‘off duty.’ I was always on edge, always bracing for something bad. This clinic didn’t just give me a diagnosis—they gave me a path forward. I’m now calmer, more grounded, and starting to feel joy again."