PTSD & Trauma Treatment in San diego, CA

Trauma Lives in Your Body, Not Just Your Mind. We Treat Both.

Our unique protocol heals trauma at every level. First, it combines special ketamine therapy and nerve blocks. Next, it uses nerve stimulation and light sound therapy. Finally, it adds structured breathwork. These tools fix your nervous system and metabolism. Thus, they release the pain your body still holds.

Your Body Is Still Fighting a War That’s Over

PTSD isn’t a memory problem. It’s a nervous system that never got the message that the danger has passed. The amygdala remains hypervigilant, the vagus nerve tone is depleted, sympathetic activation is chronically elevated, and the HPA axis floods your system with cortisol and norepinephrine. You may startle easily, avoid places and people, struggle to sleep, feel emotionally numb, or experience hypervigilance that exhausts you. Traditional talk therapy asks you to think your way through trauma that your body hasn’t released.

Exposure Therapy and SSRIs Aren’t Enough for Many

Standard PTSD treatments do not work well for everyone. Indeed, they fail many soldiers and people with complex trauma. In fact, therapy dropout rates often top 30 percent. Furthermore, common antidepressants only target serotonin. However, they ignore body stress and nervous system issues. Therefore, doctors now see that we must treat the body.

The Metabolic Impact of Trauma

Trauma and stress actively change your metabolism. Indeed, high stress hormones cause insulin resistance. For example, they also cause inflammation and gut leaks. Furthermore, they hurt your cellular energy. These metabolic changes then worsen mental symptoms. As a result, this creates a bad cycle. Research also shows PTSD links to fast cell aging. In addition, it connects to high inflammation. Therefore, healing trauma requires treating the body’s metabolism.

of SGB patients showed clinically meaningful PTSD symptom reduction in largest retrospective study (n=327)

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effect size for PTSD symptom reduction with SKY breathwork in Vietnam veterans (vs. 0.5 for antidepressants)

response rate to ketamine therapy in treatment-resistant PTSD

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evidence-based modalities combined in our proprietary Neuromodulation Protocol

Why Traditional PTSD Treatment Often Leaves People Stuck

Most conventional depression treatments focus narrowly on stopping symptoms. To be sure, standard antidepressants can help some patients. However, they represent just one small piece of a much larger body puzzle.

Talk therapy alone can’t override a dysregulated autonomic nervous system
SSRIs address serotonin but not sympathetic hyperactivation, vagal tone depletion, or HPA axis dysfunction
Exposure therapy has high dropout rates (30%+) and is less effective for complex trauma
No metabolic assessment: inflammation, cortisol dysregulation, gut dysfunction, and nutrient depletion go untreated
No direct nervous system interventions: vagal tone, sympathetic blockade, and gamma entrainment are not offered
One-size-fits-all approach rather than precision medicine guided by genetics and metabolomics

The Seaside Method: A Smarter Path Forward

RAPID RELIEF

The Seaside Neuromodulation Protocol: a proprietary combination of five evidence-based therapies designed to reset the nervous system at multiple levels simultaneously.

IV Ketamine Therapy: rapid neuroplasticity, breaking rigid trauma-encoded neural patterns
Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB): direct sympathetic nervous system reset via ultrasound-guided injection
Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation (tVNS): non-invasive parasympathetic activation, reducing hyperarousal
40Hz Gamma Light & Sound Stimulation: entraining gamma rhythms to enhance BDNF, promote glymphatic clearance, and reduce neuroinflammation
Structured Breathwork Protocol: evidence-based cyclic breathing to regulate the autonomic nervous system

ROOT CAUSE

Comprehensive assessment of trauma’s biological impact through Seaside Longevity.

Full metabolic panel + cortisol (4-point diurnal) + DHEA-S
Inflammatory markers: hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha
Gut health: GI-MAP (trauma-gut connection)
Hormonal assessment: trauma alters sex hormones, thyroid function
Nutrient status: trauma depletes magnesium, B vitamins, omega-3s
HRV assessment for autonomic function baseline
Pharmacogenomic + metabolomic testing

REWIRE & REBUILD

Trauma-specific integration therapies leveraging the neuroplastic window.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): processing trauma during enhanced neuroplastic state
Compassionate Inquiry (Gabor Maté methodology): exploring what happened TO you, not what’s wrong with you
The Gupta Program: retraining the amygdala and insula’s threat response patterns
Adapted 12-Step Framework: surrender, personal inventory, amends, daily practice
Somatic processing and body-based regulation techniques

RESILIENCE

Building a trauma-resilient life.

Anti-inflammatory nutrition and metabolic optimization
Exercise programming for vagal tone and endorphin support
Sleep restoration protocols (trauma significantly disrupts sleep architecture)
Daily breathwork and meditation practice
Community and purpose work
Ongoing maintenance and relapse prevention

The Seaside Neuromodulation Protocol™: A First-of-Its-Kind PTSD Treatment

No other clinic in San Diego combines these five evidence-based modalities into a single, integrated treatment protocol for PTSD and trauma. Each therapy targets a different layer of nervous system dysregulation, creating synergistic effects that no single modality can achieve alone.

Ketamine Therapy (IV / IM / Spravato®)

1️⃣ Ketamine Therapy (IV / IM / Spravato®)

Ketamine rapidly enhances neuroplasticity by modulating the glutamate system and increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This disrupts rigid, trauma-encoded neural circuits and opens a time-sensitive window for psychological processing and nervous system recalibration.

Unlike traditional antidepressants that may take weeks, ketamine often acts within hours.

Clinical Evidence

70%+ response rate in treatment-resistant conditions
Rapid onset of action (hours rather than weeks)
Demonstrated synaptogenesis in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus

Esketamine is FDA-approved under the brand name Spravato for treatment-resistant depression.

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)

2️⃣ Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)

An ultrasound-guided injection of local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion that directly reduces sympathetic nervous system overdrive associated with PTSD and severe anxiety.

By lowering central norepinephrine output, SGB helps calm amygdala-driven hypervigilance and threat reactivity.

Clinical Evidence

Randomized controlled trial published in JAMA (2019, n=113): significant CAPS-5 reduction vs. sham (p=0.01)
Largest retrospective study (n=327): 80%+ clinically meaningful response
Study in Translational Psychiatry (2024): ~50% anxiety reduction in 285 patients
Level 1B evidence

Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation (tVNS)

3️⃣ Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation (tVNS)

A non-invasive modality that stimulates the vagus nerve to increase parasympathetic tone, reduce inflammatory cytokines, and modulate the HPA stress axis.

tVNS helps shift the nervous system from chronic sympathetic dominance toward physiological homeostasis.

Clinical Evidence

Double-blind RCT: reduced sympathetic responses to traumatic stress
Published in Frontiers in Neuroscience (2025): progressive heart rate reductions in PTSD
Sleep research in veterans: improved sleep depth and autonomic stability
Clinical guidance from the Vagus Nerve Society

40Hz Gamma Light & Sound Stimulation

4️⃣ Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation (tVNS)

Non-invasive audiovisual stimulation at 40Hz entrains gamma oscillations — rhythms often dysregulated in PTSD and anxiety disorders.

Research suggests gamma entrainment may:

Enhance neuroplasticity
Increase BDNF expression
Improve glymphatic clearance (brain waste removal)
Reduce neuroinflammation

Research Foundation

Ongoing research from the MIT Picower Institute for Learning and Memory
Decade review published in PLOS Biology (2025)
Animal studies show improved anxiety behaviors and increased hippocampal/prefrontal BDNF
Human trials ongoing for multiple neurological conditions

Structured Breathwork Protocol

5️⃣ Structured Breathwork Protocol

Evidence-based breathing techniques, including Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), that rapidly regulate autonomic function and restore vagal tone.

Breathwork bridges physiology and psychology, equipping patients with a self-directed tool for ongoing nervous system regulation.

Clinical Evidence

100+ independent studies
Randomized trial in JAMA Network Open (2024): significant burnout reduction in physicians
Vietnam veterans: effect size 2.9 for PTSD symptom reduction
Non-inferiority to Cognitive Processing Therapy demonstrated in BMJ Open RCT (2022)
73% response rate and 41% remission in treatment-resistant anxiety

WHAT TO EXPECT

This was the best decision I ever made. For years, I had a hard relationship with alcohol. I stopped drinking many times for Lent. However, I always counted down the days until I could drink again. That changed after just one session. I stopped drinking right away and did not crave it at all. Now, I have finished the whole program. Furthermore, I have not had a drink for seven weeks. As a result, I sleep much better now. I am also a happier person, husband, and father.

— Jim S., Seaside Ketamine Patient

FAQ

Q: Can ketamine therapy help with PTSD?

Yes, this is true. Ketamine builds fast brain changes. Therefore, it helps the brain break free from hard trauma patterns. In fact, research shows over a 70 percent success rate. This works even for hard conditions. Furthermore, we combine this medicine with talk therapy. As a result, ketamine creates a short window for growth. Finally, this allows deeper healing of trauma memories.

Q: What is the Seaside Neuromodulation Protocol for PTSD?

Our unique program combines five proven tools. For instance, it uses ketamine therapy and neck nerve blocks. Next, it uses nerve stimulation and light sound therapy. Finally, it adds structured breathing. Each tool fixes a different part of trauma stress. In fact, no other clinic in San Diego offers this mix.

Q: What is a stellate ganglion block and how does it help PTSD?

This treatment uses a simple neck injection. For instance, doctors use ultrasound to guide the numbing medicine. It directly targets nerves that control your fight-or-flight system. Thus, it can quickly stop panic and anxiety. In fact, a major study showed great results. Over 80 percent of patients find real relief. Therefore, it is a fast way to calm your body.

Q: How does 40Hz gamma stimulation help with trauma?

This therapy uses special light and sound. For example, it matches your brain rhythms. In fact, research shows it helps the brain grow and heal. Furthermore, it clears out brain waste. Studies also show it lowers anxiety from trauma. Therefore, we use this safe tool in our full program.

Q: What is Compassionate Inquiry and how does it relate to trauma treatment?

Compassionate Inquiry is a gentle form of therapy. Indeed, Dr. Gabor Maté created this special approach. For instance, it asks what happened to you instead of what is wrong with you. Thus, it helps patients see how early life shaped their stress today. Furthermore, we work with trained providers during your healing phase. Therefore, you get deep support as your brain changes

Q: Is breathwork actually effective for PTSD?

Yes, this is true. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga is a highly studied tool. In fact, it has over 100 independent papers. For example, one study looked at Vietnam war veterans. It showed a massive drop in PTSD symptoms. This change was much larger than standard pills. Furthermore, a medical trial was published in BMJ Open. As a result, it proved this breathing works just as well as standard trauma therapy for veterans. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Q: Do you treat complex PTSD (C-PTSD)?

Yes, this is true. Complex PTSD comes from repeated or long trauma during childhood. Indeed, this is one of our main focus areas. This condition usually causes deep stress in the nervous system. It also hurts a person’s sense of self. Therefore, it requires a full, multi-tool plan like The Seaside Method.

Q: How does trauma affect metabolism?

Q: Can ketamine help me process trauma, not just feel better temporarily?

Yes, this is the main part of our approach. Ketamine makes the brain more flexible for a short time. Therefore, it opens a window for deeper healing. Next, we combine this with talk therapy and integration tools. As a result, patients can safely process locked trauma. Consequently, this leads to lasting change instead of just quick relief.

Q: How long does PTSD treatment take?

Treatment times change based on your trauma. Many patients find relief in just a few sessions. Indeed, ketamine and nerve blocks work fast. However, deep brain healing takes two to four months. Our goal is true, lasting recovery. Therefore, you do not need Ongoing care.

Your Nervous System Has Been Carrying This Alone. It Doesn’t Have To Anymore.

If trauma is still running your body’s threat response, there are biological solutions that go far beyond talk therapy. The first step is a free, confidential conversation.

No pressure. No obligation. Compassionate, physician-led care in a safe, oceanfront setting.