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Live Webinar

Innovations in the Treatment of Trauma

Aaron R. Wilson, M.D.
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Date & Time

Description

This presentation reviews neuroscience-based approaches to the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with a focus on interventions that target neuroplasticity and neural circuitry. Moving beyond traditional models of care, it examines how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, psychedelic-assisted modalities, and neuro/psycho plastogen research are reshaping our understanding of trauma treatment. This discussion also addresses the important methodological challenges, including placebo controls and blinding in clinical research, while highlighting recent developments in biomarker identification, precision psychiatry, focused ultrasound, and artificial intelligence. Collectively, these advances reflect a growing shift towards personalized, biologically informed models of care that aim not only to reduce symptoms, but also address the underlying mechanisms of PTSD and support long-term recovery.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to provide participants with an evidence-based overview of emerging neuroscience informed approaches to the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Attendees will gain an understanding of how advances in neuromodulation, psychoplastogens, psychedelic-assisted therapies, and precision psychiatry are reshaping trauma care, while recognizing the current limitations, methodological challenges, and future directions of the field.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Explain the role of neuroplasticity in the development and treatment of trauma-related disorders.

  • Describe the mechanisms, current evidence, and clinical application of neuromodulation approaches such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for trauma-related conditions.

  • Evaluate 5 emerging sources of evidence supporting psychoplastogen- and psychedelic-assisted interventions.

  • Discuss 3 key limitations in neuromodulation and psychedelic-assisted treatment research, particularly related to placebo controls, blinding, and study design.

  • Identify 4 future directions in trauma care, including precision psychiatry, biomarker discovery, focused ultrasound, and artificial intelligence.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Nurse
  • Physician
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Aaron R. Wilson, M.D.
Aaron R. Wilson, M.D., a recognized leader in integrative behavioral health and trauma-informed psychiatric care, has built a distinguished career at the intersection of clinical innovation, academic mentorship, and strategic leadership. He currently leads as Chief Medical Officer at Meadows Behavioral Health in Wickenburg, Arizona and Via Linda Behavioral Hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona. In addition, he holds medical directorships at Anew Treatment Center, Native American Connections, and Rising Phoenix Wellness & Recovery. Proud Sun Devil alumni, Dr. Wilson serves as Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice at the ASU John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering. Concurrent to his role at ASU, he functions as Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Midwestern University. He previously held a decade-long academic appointment at Creighton University School of Medicine, where he contributed to psychiatric education and clinical training at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. His commitment to academic excellence is further reflected in his leadership roles during residency at Tulane University, where he served as Chief Resident, Residency Recruitment Coordinator, and member of the Education Committee. Board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Wilson is a Diplomate of both the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Addiction Medicine. His clinical expertise includes trauma recovery and integrative therapeutic modalities, with a focus on measurement-based care and neurobiological approaches to healing. Dr. Wilson has co-authored The Clinician’s Handbook on Measurement-Based Care and contributed to U.S. News & World Report, Oprah Magazine, and the American Psychiatric Association’s Psychiatric News. His work has also appeared in television segments, professional journals, and public health forums, helping raise awareness of behavioral health issues and systemic solutions. A graduate of Tulane University School of Medicine and Arizona State University, Dr. Wilson has been a driving force in advancing psychiatric care across the Southwest. He is the Past President and current member of the Arizona Psychiatric Society. He is an active member of the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry.

Financially Sponsored By

  • The Meadows