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PTSD Treatment in Denver

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Heal From Trauma With Compassionate, Evidence-Based Therapy

Living with post-traumatic stress disorder can feel like being trapped in a loop you never chose — replaying painful memories, avoiding the places and people that remind you of what happened, and carrying a weight that touches every part of your daily life. If you’re searching for PTSD treatment in Denver that goes beyond surface-level coping, you deserve a team that truly understands trauma and has the specialized training to help you move through it. At Mountainside Behavioral Health, we offer one of the most effective, research-backed approaches available: DBT-Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE), a gold-standard treatment designed to help you process trauma safely and build a life that feels worth living.

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Understanding PTSD and Its Impact on Your Life

Post-traumatic stress disorder develops after experiencing or witnessing a deeply distressing event — combat, assault, a serious accident, childhood abuse, domestic violence, or any experience that overwhelmed your ability to cope. But PTSD isn’t simply “having bad memories.” It is a neurobiological condition that changes the way your brain processes fear, safety, and stress.

Common symptoms of PTSD include:

  • Intrusive memories and flashbacks — reliving the traumatic event as though it’s happening right now
  • Nightmares and sleep disturbances that leave you exhausted and on edge
  • Avoidance of people, places, conversations, or situations that remind you of the trauma
  • Emotional numbness or detachment from loved ones and activities you once enjoyed
  • Hypervigilance and an exaggerated startle response — feeling constantly “on guard”
  • Irritability, anger, or sudden emotional outbursts that feel out of proportion
  • Negative beliefs about yourself or the world — thoughts like “I’m broken” or “Nowhere is safe”
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions


These symptoms don’t mean you’re weak. They mean your nervous system is doing exactly what it was designed to do in the face of overwhelming threat — it just hasn’t been able to turn that response off. PTSD treatment in Denver at Mountainside Behavioral Health is built to help your brain and body learn that the danger has passed, so you can begin to reclaim your sense of safety.

What we do

Our Approach: DBT-Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE)

At Mountainside Behavioral Health, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to trauma therapy in Denver. That’s why our clinical team specializes in DBT-Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE) — a highly structured, evidence-based treatment that combines two powerful therapeutic frameworks into one comprehensive protocol.

What Is DBT-PE?

DBT-PE integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with Prolonged Exposure, a gold-standard treatment for PTSD. It was specifically developed for individuals who experience PTSD alongside intense emotional dysregulation — people who may have been told they need to “stabilize” before they can address their trauma.

Traditional treatment models often require clients to spend months or even years building coping skills before ever touching the trauma itself. DBT-PE challenges that outdated approach. Research shows that many individuals can safely begin processing their trauma earlier when they have the right skills and the right therapeutic support in place — and that doing so actually leads to better outcomes.

How DBT-PE Works

DBT-PE is delivered within the framework of a comprehensive DBT program. Here’s what the process looks like:

  1. Building your foundation with DBT skills. You begin by learning core DBT skills — mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills become your toolkit for managing the intense emotions that naturally arise during trauma processing.
  2. Introducing Prolonged Exposure within DBT. Once you and your therapist agree you’re ready, you begin the exposure component. This involves:
    • Imaginal exposure: Revisiting the trauma memory in a safe, controlled therapeutic setting by recounting it aloud. Over time, the memory loses its overwhelming emotional charge — not because you forget, but because your brain learns to process it differently.
    • In vivo exposure: Gradually and safely approaching situations, places, or activities you’ve been avoiding because of the trauma. This helps your nervous system learn that these situations are no longer dangerous.
  3. Processing and integrating. After each exposure session, you and your therapist work together to examine what you noticed, challenge unhelpful beliefs that the trauma created, and build a more accurate and compassionate narrative about what happened and who you are.
  4. Continuing DBT skills practice. Throughout the entire process, you continue strengthening your DBT skills — so you’re never left without the tools to manage difficult moments between sessions.

The combination is powerful: DBT gives you the emotional resilience to face what happened, and Prolonged Exposure gives you the structured path to process it. Together, they help you heal in a way that lasts.

How DBT-PE Is Different From Traditional Exposure Therapy

You may have heard of Prolonged Exposure therapy or CBT for PTSD and wondered how DBT-PE compares. Here are the key differences that make DBT-PE the approach of choice for many of our clients seeking a PTSD therapist in Denver:

 

Traditional Prolonged Exposure

DBT-Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE)

Emotional skills training

Limited focus on emotion regulation

Comprehensive DBT skills taught before and throughout treatment

Who it’s designed for

PTSD without significant emotion dysregulation

PTSD with co-occurring emotion dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or BPD traits

Timing of trauma work

Begins early in treatment

Begins once foundational DBT skills are in place, but does not require full “stabilization”

Dropout rates

Higher, especially for complex cases

Lower — DBT skills help clients tolerate the process

Support between sessions

Standard therapy support

DBT phone coaching available for crisis moments

For many people living with PTSD in the Denver area, particularly those who also struggle with intense emotions, self-harm, or relationship difficulties, DBT-PE offers a path to trauma recovery that feels safe, structured, and genuinely achievable.

What to Expect When You Begin PTSD Treatment at Mountainside

Starting trauma-informed therapy is one of the bravest decisions you can make — and we want you to know exactly what the process looks like so there are no surprises.

Your Free Consultation

Your journey begins with a complimentary consultation. During this call, you’ll speak with a member of our team about what you’re experiencing, ask any questions you have, and learn whether our approach feels like the right fit. There’s no pressure and no obligation — just a genuine conversation about your needs.

Assessment and Treatment Planning

If you decide to move forward, your therapist will conduct a thorough clinical assessment to understand the full picture: your trauma history, current symptoms, emotional patterns, co-occurring conditions, and your goals for treatment. Together, you’ll create a personalized treatment plan.

Individual Therapy Sessions

Your PTSD treatment in Denver will include weekly 45-minute individual therapy sessions with a licensed clinician trained in both DBT and trauma-focused interventions. Sessions are $175–$200, and while Mountainside is out-of-network, we provide superbills to help you pursue insurance reimbursement.

DBT Skills Group (When Appropriate)

Many clients in our PTSD treatment track also participate in our DBT skills groups, where you’ll learn and practice the four core DBT skill modules alongside a supportive community. Our adult group meets Tuesdays from 11 AM–1 PM, and our teen multi-family skills group meets Mondays from 5 PM–7 PM.

In-Person and Telehealth Options

We offer both in-person sessions at our Denver office and telehealth throughout Colorado, so you can access expert trauma therapy in the format that works best for your life.

Who Is PTSD Treatment at Mountainside Right For?

Our specialized trauma therapy in Denver is designed for adolescents (ages 12 and up) and adults who are experiencing:

  • PTSD or complex trauma from any type of traumatic experience
  • PTSD alongside emotional dysregulation, mood swings, or difficulty managing intense feelings
  • PTSD with co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, substance use, or eating disorders
  • A history of self-harm or suicidal thoughts connected to traumatic experiences
  • Avoidance patterns that are shrinking your world and keeping you from living fully
  • Previous therapy that addressed coping skills but never directly helped you process the trauma itself

We also welcome members of the LGBTQIA+ community and offer a bilingual (English/Spanish) clinician on our team. Mountainside Behavioral Health is a female-owned practice, and creating a space where every person feels seen, heard, and empowered is at the heart of everything we do.

Begin Your Healing Journey Today

You don’t have to keep living in survival mode. PTSD is treatable, and with the right approach, you can process what happened, quiet the constant alarm bells, and start building a life defined by more than your trauma.

At Mountainside Behavioral Health, we’re here to walk alongside you — with evidence-based expertise, genuine warmth, and a deep commitment to your well-being.

Request a Consultation — it’s free, and it could be the first step toward lasting change.

Our Team: Denver PTSD Therapists With Specialized Trauma Training

When it comes to something as sensitive as trauma therapy, your therapist’s training matters deeply. Our clinical team brings extensive, specialized expertise in evidence-based PTSD treatment:

  • Emily Biggs-Heisler, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Director & Co-Owner — Over a decade of intensive training in DBT, CBT, and trauma-based therapies. Dr. Biggs-Heisler works with clients ages 12 and up and provides individual, family, and couples therapy as well as DBT skills groups.
  • Anabelle Brecker, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Co-Owner — Trained in DBT, CBT, trauma-informed interventions, and suicide prevention. Works with clients ages 15 and up.
  • Audrey Fisher, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor — Specializes in DBT, CBT, trauma-informed interventions, and substance use treatment. Works with clients ages 13 and up.
  • Diana Huizar, Ph.D., School Psychologist — Bilingual (English/Spanish), grounded in DBT and Motivational Interviewing. Works with ages 11–24 and families. A former USMC service member who brings a deep understanding of resilience and recovery.

Every clinician on our team is trained in suicide prevention and trauma-informed care, so you can trust that you’re in experienced, compassionate hands.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD Treatment in Denver

How long does PTSD treatment take?

The length of PTSD treatment depends on your unique history, symptoms, and goals. Many clients begin to notice meaningful shifts within the first few months of DBT-PE, though the full course of treatment — including building DBT skills and completing the exposure protocol — often takes six months to a year. Your therapist will work with you to set a pace that feels challenging but manageable.

Is it safe to revisit traumatic memories in therapy?

Yes — when guided by a trained PTSD therapist in Denver, processing trauma memories is safe and effective. DBT-PE is specifically designed to ensure you have strong emotional coping skills before beginning exposure work. Your therapist will never push you faster than you’re ready to go, and you’ll have DBT tools to manage distress both during and between sessions.

What if I have PTSD and another condition like depression or BPD?

DBT-PE was developed precisely for this situation. Many people with PTSD also live with conditions like depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, substance use, or eating disorders. Traditional trauma therapies sometimes exclude these individuals, but DBT-PE integrates emotion regulation skills that make trauma processing possible even when co-occurring conditions are present.

Do you accept insurance for PTSD treatment?

Mountainside Behavioral Health is an out-of-network provider. Individual sessions are $175–$200, and we provide superbills that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many clients with out-of-network benefits recover a significant portion of their session costs.

Can I do PTSD therapy online?

Absolutely. We offer telehealth therapy sessions throughout Colorado, so you can access specialized PTSD treatment from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Many clients find that telehealth is especially helpful in the early stages of treatment, when leaving home may feel difficult.

How do I know if I have PTSD?

If you’ve experienced a traumatic event and are now dealing with intrusive memories, avoidance, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, or difficulty functioning in your daily life, you may be experiencing PTSD. The best way to know for certain is to schedule a consultation with a qualified PTSD therapist in Denver who can provide a thorough assessment. Request your free consultation today.

Begin Healing From PTSD Today

Mountainside Behavioral Health is a female-owned practice in Denver, Colorado, specializing in DBT, CBT, and trauma-informed therapy. We help adolescents, adults, couples, and families build lives defined by resilience, connection, and well-being.

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Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD & Trauma

Mountainside offers trauma-focused CBT and DBT-PE — Prolonged Exposure delivered inside a DBT framework, so skills come before processing. We do not offer EMDR.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a condition that can follow exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence — experienced, witnessed, or learned about. It involves intrusive re-experiencing, avoidance, negative changes in mood and thinking, and heightened arousal, persisting more than a month and causing real impairment. See PTSD treatment in Denver.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Four clusters: intrusion — flashbacks, nightmares, unwanted memories; avoidance of reminders, people, or places; negative changes in thinking and mood, including guilt, shame, detachment, and a foreshortened sense of future; and hyperarousal — startling easily, sleeping badly, irritability, hypervigilance. Symptoms must persist beyond a month to meet criteria; before that, an acute stress response is expected.

What causes PTSD?

Exposure to a traumatic event is necessary but not sufficient — most people exposed to trauma do not develop PTSD. Risk rises with the severity and duration of the event, interpersonal trauma rather than accident, prior trauma, lack of support afterward, and ongoing stress. Avoidance in the weeks following is one of the strongest maintaining factors, which is why treatment targets it.

How is PTSD treated?

Trauma-focused psychological treatment is first-line: approaches that involve processing the memory and reducing avoidance rather than only managing symptoms. Mountainside uses trauma-focused CBT and DBT-PE, which layers Prolonged Exposure into a DBT framework so that skills are in place first. Medication is sometimes used alongside, managed by a prescriber. Our trauma-informed care.

What is the best therapy for PTSD?

The trauma-focused therapies have the strongest evidence — Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and trauma-focused CBT among them. Which is best for a given person depends on their symptoms and stability. For clients whose emotional dysregulation or self-harm would make standard processing destabilizing, DBT-PE is the better route, and it is one we offer.

What is trauma therapy?

A broad term for treatment addressing the effects of traumatic experience. In practice it covers two phases: stabilization — safety, skills, and managing the nervous system — and processing, where the memory itself is worked through so it stops intruding. Being trauma-informed also shapes how care is delivered: pacing, choice, and collaboration. See trauma-informed treatment in Denver.

How does CBT help with PTSD?

Trauma-focused CBT works on two fronts: gradually approaching the memories and situations you have been avoiding, so they stop signaling present danger, and examining the beliefs the trauma left behind — that it was your fault, that the world is uniformly unsafe, that you cannot cope. Avoidance and those beliefs are what keep PTSD in place. CBT at Mountainside.

What is complex PTSD?

Complex PTSD describes the pattern that can follow prolonged, repeated trauma from which escape was difficult — childhood abuse, domestic violence, captivity. Alongside core PTSD symptoms it involves persistent difficulties with emotional regulation, a deeply negative self-concept, and problems sustaining relationships. It is recognized in ICD-11. DBT-PE is designed for precisely this presentation.

What’s the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD?

PTSD typically follows a discrete event and centers on re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal. Complex PTSD follows sustained, repeated trauma and adds three persistent difficulties: regulating emotion, a pervasive sense of worthlessness or shame, and difficulty maintaining relationships. Treatment for complex PTSD generally needs a longer stabilization phase before processing — which is exactly what DBT-PE provides.

Can PTSD go away on its own?

Some people recover in the months after a trauma without formal treatment, particularly with good support. But when symptoms persist beyond a few months they tend to become entrenched, because avoidance prevents the memory from being processed. Untreated PTSD can run for years and often brings depression or substance use with it. Effective treatment exists and is worth seeking.

How long does PTSD treatment take?

Trauma-focused protocols for single-incident PTSD commonly run in the region of 8 to 16 sessions. Complex trauma takes longer, since stabilization and skills work precede processing — in DBT-PE that means establishing distress tolerance and emotion regulation first. Your therapist should be explicit about the phases rather than leaving the timeline open.

Can you get PTSD from emotional abuse?

Sustained emotional abuse can produce symptoms closely resembling PTSD, and where it involved coercion, threat, or entrapment it frequently produces the complex PTSD picture — emotional dysregulation, shame, and difficulty trusting. Strict diagnostic criteria center on threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, but treatment is guided by symptoms, not by whether an experience qualifies on paper.

What are PTSD triggers?

Sensory or situational cues the nervous system links to the original event — a smell, a tone of voice, a date, a crowd, a physical sensation. They provoke the response before conscious recognition, which is why the reaction can seem disproportionate. Treatment reduces their power by processing the memory rather than by permanently avoiding the cues.

How do I find a trauma therapist in Denver?

Ask which trauma-focused protocol they are trained in and whether they will process the trauma or only stabilize — both matter, but they are different phases. Ask how they handle destabilization mid-treatment. Mountainside offers trauma-focused CBT and DBT-PE, and Anabelle Brecker, LCSW, specializes in trauma-informed intervention. Meet our therapists.

Is EMDR effective for PTSD?

EMDR has a substantial evidence base for PTSD and is recommended in several major treatment guidelines, so it is a reasonable option to consider. Mountainside does not offer EMDR — our trauma work uses trauma-focused CBT and DBT-PE. If EMDR is what you want, we would rather say so plainly and point you elsewhere than take you on for something we do not provide.

Can you do PTSD therapy online?

Yes. Trauma-focused treatment delivered by video has good evidence, and some clients find it easier to do difficult processing from their own home. It does require a private, secure space and a plan for what happens if you become distressed during a session — your therapist will set that up in advance. Online therapy across Colorado.

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