How Trauma Impacts Daily Life: Expert Insights on PTSD and Healing Paths

Trauma doesn’t just live in the past—it shows up in everyday life, shaping the way people think, feel, and connect with others. For residents of Century City, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and the greater Los Angeles area, the fast pace of life often leaves little room to process painful experiences. At Century City Psychiatry, our mission is to help people understand the impact of trauma and provide a clear path to healing through compassionate, evidence-based care.

Understanding PTSD and Trauma’s Impact

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops after exposure to a life-threatening or deeply distressing event. In Los Angeles County, surveys suggest that nearly 1 in 11 adults will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, with higher rates reported among first responders, military veterans, and survivors of accidents or violence. For professionals in Century City and West Los Angeles, the burden of trauma can quietly interfere with daily life:

• Interrupted sleep due to nightmares or insomnia
• Difficulty focusing at work or school
• Avoiding reminders of the trauma, which may limit social or professional opportunities
• Increased irritability, anxiety, or emotional numbness
• Physical signs of stress, such as muscle tension and chronic fatigue

These symptoms can disrupt relationships, careers, and overall well-being if left untreated.

Healing Paths: Evidence-Based Approaches

Century City Psychiatry was founded by Dr. Mike Mah, a board-certified psychiatrist and Clinical Director, with the vision of creating a clinic where advanced science meets human-centered care. Dr. Mah not only supervises every treatment plan but also educates the broader public as host of the Real Mental Health Podcast. His dual role as clinician and educator ensures that patients receive care that is both highly informed and deeply compassionate.

Our team specializes in trauma recovery through:

• Trauma-focused therapy: Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help patients reframe and process traumatic memories.
• Medication management: Thoughtfully prescribing and deprescribing medications when needed to address anxiety, depression, or sleep challenges.
• Integrative care: Incorporating mindfulness, stress-reduction practices, and lifestyle support to address the whole person.

Every clinician works under Dr. Mah’s direct supervision, ensuring that patients benefit from both individualized attention and the oversight of a seasoned psychiatrist.

Local Context: Trauma in Los Angeles

Living in Los Angeles presents unique challenges. Research from UCLA has highlighted how urban stress, high living costs, traffic congestion, and exposure to community violence contribute to higher levels of trauma-related disorders in LA County. For people working in high-pressure industries common in Century City—such as entertainment, law, and technology—the effects of unaddressed trauma can be compounded by workplace stress and long hours. Our clinic recognizes these realities and offers care designed for the community we serve.

Why Century City Psychiatry

What sets Century City Psychiatry apart is the depth of our experience and the structure of our care model:

• Proven leadership: Dr. Mah’s years of experience, clinical expertise, and ongoing role in educating the public through his podcast provide patients with confidence that they are in capable hands.
• Team-based support: Patients are cared for by experienced Nurse Practitioners, with each treatment plan reviewed and guided by Dr. Mah.
• Whole-person philosophy: We consider lifestyle, relationships, and personal goals as part of the recovery process.
• Accessibility: With a convenient Century City location and secure telepsychiatry available throughout California, patients can access care wherever they are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. Century City Psychiatry is an insurance-based group and works with most major plans.

Who will I see during appointments?

You’ll meet with one of our experienced Nurse Practitioners, and Dr. Mah supervises all treatment plans to ensure the highest standard of care.

Do you offer telehealth?

Yes. We provide HIPAA-compliant virtual psychiatry across California, making treatment accessible for patients outside Los Angeles.

Is there a waitlist?

Yes. Our waitlist ensures that you are matched with a clinician as soon as an opening becomes available.

Begin Your Path to Healing

Trauma may shape your past, but it doesn’t have to define your future. With compassionate, evidence-based treatment, recovery is possible. At Century City Psychiatry, we’ve helped countless individuals in Century City, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and beyond find relief from PTSD and reclaim their lives. Contact Century City Psychiatry today to join our waitlist or schedule an appointment.