A 39-year-old male ICU nurse presents to the PMHNP with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after working in New Orleans during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has nightmares and experiences depressive symptoms. In general, he says he feels detached from life and emotionally numb. He tries not to think about the patients who died, but he often cannot stop their faces from “popping” into his head at any time. What modality would be most appropriate for this patient presentation?

Choice A reason: EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy specifically indicated for PTSD. It involves processing traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation to reduce distress and emotional reactivity. Choice B reason: Primal scream therapy is largely unscientific and lacks strong evidence for PTSD treatment; it focuses on emotional catharsis but does not systematically address trauma. Choice C reason: Hypnotherapy may help with relaxation or suggestion but is not the primary evidence-based treatment for PTSD and does not reliably reduce flashbacks or nightmares. Choice D reason: Psychodrama involves role-playing past events but is less structured and evidence-supported compared to EMDR in PTSD treatment.