We invite you to find out more about PTSD recovery without medication. A holistic approach sits in its rightful place, as first-line treatment, according to not only us at ATMC, but also both the FDA and the APA.1-3
The symptoms of PTSD have been described for thousands of years. PTSD used to be called things like “shell-shock” or “gross stress reaction” for traumatized veterans of war. The term PTSD has greatly expanded the lens on treating the many sources of trauma-related symptoms.
Given the right tools, you CAN heal.
We have tracked the success of our clients over many years, as shown in this tabulated successful outcome report, so you can have confidence in our approach to PTSD recovery without medications. PTSD is a diagnosis that has skyrocketed, affecting a growing segment of the population. ATMC strives to provide non-drug-based treatments that DO work. For those already prescribed one or multiple medications that proved unsatisfactory, we also provide a safe transition to natural and drug-free elimination of symptoms. We’ve been a leader in effective, holistic treatment for nearly 2 decades now, and very pleased to see that many other leaders in the field of medicine have begun to adopt similar protocols.
15 Years Experience by Professionals Who Understand Your Journey.
June is PTSD Awareness month – what a great time to become better informed about the history of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and effective holistic treatments that allow PTSD recovery without medication. Our aim is to give new hope to many who have long-suffered this crippling condition.
PTSD is a diagnostic term, like “depression” or “anxiety” or other psychiatric disorders. The acronym stands for post-traumatic stress disorder, a sort of shorthand for clinicians and perhaps the general population that summarizes a highly detailed and very long list of troubling symptoms that can linger after trauma. Some have mischaracterized PTSD as a “disease” – however, that concept is not research-based and does not align with the documented remedies for the condition.
And probably most importantly, we cannot forget that human nature is more nuanced than a four-letter word.
In any case, there are technical details and criteria in any diagnosis or classification. For instance, here are just some of the factors that are required for a diagnosis of PTSD, according to the latest version of the DSM. For the full list, please refer to DSM V.1-3
What are the required criteria for a PTSD diagnosis?
Diagnosis requires exposure or threat of exposure to things like death, violence, injury
The trauma or threatened impact was personally received or was witnessed by the person
Learning about the death or trauma of a close friend or relative (unless the death is from natural causes)
Recurring memories of the event, including nightmares or flashbacks
Reminders of trauma in the present environment trigger emotional or physical stress reactions
Additional required criteria for PTSD diagnosis — at least 1 of these:
Avoiding thoughts or feelings associated with past trauma-related events
Avoiding reminders of the past trauma
Additional required criteria for PTSD diagnosis — at least 2 of the following emerge after the event:
Inability to recall the trauma or parts of it
Negative thoughts about self or the world
Exaggerated blame of self or others for causing the event
Poor self-concept
Loss of interest in usual activities
Feelings of isolation, withdrawal from others
Difficulty in feeling positive emotions
Increased irritability or aggression
Risky or destructive behaviors, hypervigilance
Difficulty concentrating
Insomnia, difficulties with sleep
Heightened startle reaction
Please take note that both the FDA and the DSMstrongly discouragethe prescribing of benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, hallucinogens, and most of the antidepressants — new and old — for treating PTSD.
Paxil, Zoloft, and Effexor(ER) are the only 3 medications that are cautiously recommended. Side effects and developing dependence are strong reasons to consider NOT using them. Safely tapering from antidepressants may be another step in the right direction if these problems have developed.
Where a co-occurring disorder has also been diagnosed, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use, for example, the FDA neither encourages or discourages specific drugs, leaving the decision making to the prescriber in such cases. This is highly variable, forcing prescribers to make their “best guess.” Important to note, there are no large or long-term studies that show either safety, or efficacy of treating PTSD or co-occurring disorders with medication, polypharmacy, or long-term use of antidepressants.4
But thankfully, there many studies showing efficacy and safety in holistic options for treating PTSD without medications, and these will be discussed in more detail below.
Tried and True Strategies for PTSD Recovery Without Medication
The strongest recommendations for treating PTSD without medication are psychology-based, nutrition and botanical-based, and various physical therapeutic options. Holistic methods of treating PTSD without medications can include:
Botanical and herbal supplementation, including Chinese medicine
Physical therapies and exercises
Practicing mindfulness
An expanded description of these approaches follows, below.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapies
An extensive body of research and hundreds of clinical trials show that trauma-based intervention with CBT is significantly successful. Due to its proven efficacy, many regulatory bodies including the VA and the APA have now published guidelines for treating PTSD with counseling methods that practitioners are trained in, to deliver to their clients. Neither the VA or the APA recommend CBT PLUS medication in treating PTSD.5,6
Interpersonal counseling, stress reduction exercises, and other methods are used to help reduce the impact and symptoms of PTSD sufferers.
And, even more good news is that this approach is also effective for co-occurring disorders, which can reduce or eliminate entirely the risks associated with medication and polypharmacy.
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy
EMDR is a relatively new (1989) type of psychological intervention highly applicable to PTSD, and for many other uses. One of its most validated characteristics is the speed of response it gets. Studies have shown significant effectiveness in rapidly reducing unwanted negative symptoms. In fact, many studies have shown that this therapy works much faster than traditional CBT.
This therapy is relatively simple with a trained practitioner, and can involve the use of deep breathing, specific eye exercises, and does not require a detailed subjective review of the traumatic event. Yet the results are unmistakably positive in a very short period or time.7
Orthomolecular Diet Modification
Orthomolecular medicine prescribes specific diet changes including high quality fats including omega-3 fatty acids, EPAs and DHAs, (can be obtained from fish oils), adequate protein, a wide variety of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, and supplementation that can aid in strengthening the overall health and neurochemical function. This nutritional approach to supporting human biochemistry is essential to regaining and bolstering our natural ability to bounce back from stress, and strongly supports emotional health and resilience.8
The gut needs prebiotics and probiotics for the production, protection, regulation, and distribution of essential hormones and neurotransmitters. These can be obtained from food sources, such as kimchi, yogurt, sauerkraut, fermented foods, etc., as well as in supplemental form. A healthy gut microbiome is an important piece of the treatment picture, as the gut is our neurochemical “factory” — and plays many important roles in both physical and mental health.9
And like the previous methods of successfully treating PTSD without medication, improving the diet has many positive effects on other issues including healing from inflammation, pain reduction, mood, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and more.
Supplementation: Botanical and Herbal Remedies
This exciting branch of research has shown many plant-based candidates that are thought to be helpful in reducing PTSD-related symptoms. Polyphenols are plant-based compounds that have been studied carefully for their positive effects on both mental and physical health. There are many supplements that have been shown to have similar properties in clinical trials.10,11 Examples of botanical, plant & food-based supplements that may help PTSD symptoms can include:
Resveratrol
Green tea extract
Curcumin
Quercetin
Vitamins such as vitamin D, B12, folate
Minerals, such as zinc, magnesium
SAMe
Amino acids
NOTE: Lab testing is recommended to take the guesswork out of what supplements to add to the diet. Work with a dietician or naturopath who is knowledgeable and familiar with strategies for PTSD recovery without medications.
Physical Therapies & Exercise
Physical exercise, keeping the body fit, and therapies that are physical in nature can have profound effects on not only the health of the body, but in gaining peace of mind and relaxation. The mechanics of how physical exercise affects the release of neurotransmitters, hormones, regulates energy, and many other functions is fascinating. But you can just simply get the body moving and see and feel positive results.
Physical therapies, activities, and exercise while recovering from PTSD without medication can include:
Mindfulness-Based Therapies for PTSD Recovery Without Medication
A comprehensive review of many studies on mindfulness-based therapies and activities showed remarkable, tangible effects helping veterans with PTSD symptoms. Veterans participating in these guided interventions experienced many benefits including increased feelings of relaxation, peace, self-awareness, improved sleep and ability to focus attention, letting go of physical pain, reduced rage and anxiety, less intrusive thoughts, more clear and rational thinking, and many other exceptional benefits over a very brief course of treatment.13,14
The practice of mindfulness can assist in breaking up the repeating thought or ruminating memory patterns that can arouse unwanted reactions.
Some methods used in practicing mindfulness that help PTSD recovery without medications include:
Body scan meditation (nonjudgemental awareness of physical sensations)
Practicing intentional non-reactivity, acceptance
As you can see, mindfulness is a power tool that can provide welcome relief, and an increased ability to be in charge of one’s own emotions and thoughts — a successful and triumphant step in recovery from PTSD without medication.
Find Out More About ATMC’s Holistic Approach to PTSD Recovery Without Medication
We have been helping our clients achieve PTSD recovery without medications for many years, and the holistic methods we use are strongly backed by science and clinical studies.
In addition to the methods outlined above, our clients benefit from neurotoxin removal, deep cleansing that rehabilitates neurotransmission, a warm and supportive social setting, in a pristine and beautiful location suitable for outdoor hikes, swimming, group and individual exercise, social activities and sights that Sedona is world-renowned for.
Call us today for more information about the programs here and how they may benefit you or your loved one who may be on the journey of recovery from PTSD without medications.
8. Bremner JD, Moazzami K, Wittbrodt MT, Nye JA, Lima BB, Gillespie CF, Rapaport MH, Pearce BD, Shah AJ, Vaccarino V. Diet, Stress and Mental Health. Nutrients. 2020 Aug 13;12(8):2428. doi: 10.3390/nu12082428. PMID: 32823562; PMCID: PMC7468813. [cited 2025 June 12]
9. Wilson DR, Binford L, Hickson S. The Gut Microbiome and Mental Health. J Holist Nurs. 2024 Mar;42(1):79-87. doi: 10.1177/08980101231170487. Epub 2023 Apr 20. PMID: 37082808. [cited 2025 June 12]
This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
Dr. Samuel Lee
Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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June is PTSD Awareness month – what a great time to become better informed about the 
Orthomolecular medicine prescribes specific diet changes including high quality fats including omega-3 fatty acids, EPAs and DHAs, (can be obtained from fish oils), adequate protein, a wide variety of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, and supplementation that can aid in strengthening the overall health and neurochemical function. This nutritional approach to supporting human biochemistry is essential to regaining and bolstering our natural ability to bounce back from stress, and strongly supports emotional health and resilience.8
