How an Online Doctor Can Help With Trauma
Understanding your concerns, exploring support and knowing when to seek urgent help.
Understanding
Discuss current symptoms, daily functioning and safety. You can say what feels manageable to share; the appointment can begin with how the experience is affecting you now.
Support Options
A physician can consider whether specialist assessment or psychological treatment may help. Some people also benefit from medication for a diagnosed condition and planned follow-up.
When to Act
Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. For thoughts of suicide, call or text 988. An acute physical injury or recent assault may need prompt in-person medical care.
Discuss Trauma With a Physician
Walk In connects eligible patients in its service areas with BC-licensed physicians for phone or video appointments. The physicians provide the medical care.
MSP-covered visits are free for eligible patients.
Understanding Trauma
Traumatic experiences can lead to sleep changes, distressing memories, feeling on edge or avoidance. Reactions vary, and experiencing trauma does not automatically mean having post-traumatic stress disorder. Persistent symptoms that interfere with life deserve assessment.
Support and Next Steps
Care is guided by your symptoms, safety and preferences. For PTSD, evidence-based psychological therapies can help, sometimes alongside medication. A focused physician visit can identify a starting point and the need for ongoing support from an appropriate care team.
Your Appointment in Three Steps
Step 1 Book Your Visit
Choose a service and review the eligible location and care requirements before selecting an available appointment.
Step 2 Speak With a Doctor
Connect by phone or video. Your doctor may need video or an in-person assessment to understand your concern.
Step 3 Plan Your Next Steps
Your doctor will discuss a care plan. Prescriptions, notes, tests and referrals depend on the assessment and clinical need.
Before Your Appointment
What to Have Ready
- Current symptoms and what you want help with
- Any immediate safety or physical health concerns
- Previous care, medicines and trusted supports
Learn about the physicians on Walk In and their backgrounds before your appointment.
Questions About Trauma
Do Ongoing Reactions After Trauma Mean I Have PTSD?
Not necessarily. Sleep problems, distressing memories, heightened alertness or avoidance can occur after a traumatic experience, and the pattern may change over time. PTSD is assessed from the type and persistence of symptoms and their effect on functioning, not simply from having experienced a difficult event.
A physician can review what is happening now and whether another condition or health concern needs attention. You can seek support before you know the diagnosis; persistent or disruptive symptoms are enough reason to begin the discussion.
Do I Have to Describe the Traumatic Event in Detail?
You can start with current symptoms, safety concerns and what help you are seeking. Tell the physician if particular questions feel overwhelming or if you need a pause. Some background may help guide assessment, but an initial health discussion does not require you to recount every detail.
It may help to write down the main effects on sleep, concentration, relationships or daily activities. A physician can explain why a question is relevant and discuss an approach that keeps the assessment manageable while identifying appropriate support.
What Treatments Can Help With Trauma-Related Symptoms?
Trauma-focused psychological therapies can be important options, and medication may help with particular symptoms or accompanying conditions in some circumstances. The appropriate plan depends on the assessment, your priorities and the supports already in place. Treatment should be more specific than advice to simply stop thinking about the event.
A physician can discuss referral or coordination with a qualified mental-health provider and address related health concerns. Ask who will provide ongoing follow-up and what to do if symptoms or safety concerns worsen while you are waiting for treatment.
Who Can Book, and What Does It Cost?
Booking is available to eligible patients in Walk In’s service areas. MSP-covered physician visits are free for eligible patients. Check the booking portal for current eligibility and appointment availability. See pricing for private visits and other services.
Health Information Sources
- NIMH: Post traumatic stress disorder ptsd
- MedlinePlus: Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Canada’s 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
This page provides general information. Your physician will assess your individual symptoms and medical history.
Speak With a Doctor About Trauma
Connect with a physician through Walk In. Check your eligibility and choose an available appointment.