One psychologist provides comprehensive assessments for complex trauma presentations, often referred to as Complex post-traumatic stress disorder, in children, teens, and adults. CPTSD can develop from ongoing or repeated trauma and may significantly affect emotional regulation, self-perception, and interpersonal functioning. No referral is necessary to get on the schedule.
Every evaluation begins with a cognitive and executive function baseline, then builds an in-depth understanding of trauma-related symptoms tied to prolonged or repeated exposure to distressing experiences. We focus on emotional dysregulation, persistent shame, negative self-concept, interpersonal difficulties, hypervigilance, and intrusive trauma-related symptoms, as well as their impact on daily functioning and relationships. Because complex trauma rarely appears alone, one psychologist screens for co-occurring concerns throughout the process, and many clients move toward a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation for the fullest, most complete picture.
Prolonged trauma may show up as intense emotional reactions, difficulty trusting adults, behavioral regression, chronic anxiety, disrupted attachment patterns, or new struggles with attention and academic engagement.
Complex trauma often appears as mood instability, persistent feelings of worthlessness, self isolating behavior, difficulty forming stable peer relationships, irritability, sleep disturbance, or heightened sensitivity to perceived rejection.
CPTSD may show up as chronic emotional overwhelm, unstable relationships, persistent shame, avoidance of intimacy, hypervigilance, intrusive memories, or difficulty maintaining consistent work or social functioning.
Your evaluation begins with a one-hour clinical interview where your psychologist gathers a thorough personal history in a safe, supportive environment. Complex PTSD often stems from prolonged or repeated experiences, so this conversation covers a broader timeline to understand how those experiences have shaped your emotional regulation, relationships, and sense of self. You set the pace.
Your psychologist selects a personalized battery of assessments designed to capture the layered effects of complex trauma. Testing involves 2 to 6 hours of in-person evaluation over one to two days. You will also be sent home with self-report questionnaires, and someone close to you can complete their own if they choose. If your psychologist identifies signs of other conditions (such as anxiety, depression, dissociation, or ADHD), those areas are screened for as well.
All testing data, clinical observations, and questionnaire results are compiled into a detailed diagnostic report. Your psychologist evaluates how complex trauma has affected emotional regulation, identity, relationships, and cognitive functioning. Any co-occurring conditions are fully documented to ensure a complete clinical picture.
Approximately two to three weeks after testing, you return for a feedback session. Your psychologist walks through the diagnosis and provides individualized recommendations: specialized trauma therapy options, emotional regulation strategies, relationship support resources, and next steps tailored to your healing process.
Yes. When treatment has not been effective, it often points to a diagnostic gap: either a co-occurring condition was not identified, or the primary diagnosis was not fully accurate. A thorough evaluation at Core Spring Diagnostics is structured to surface those gaps by using a cognitive baseline, gold-standard trauma tools, and built-in comorbidity screening. The result is a clearer clinical picture that can reframe what has been happening and guide more targeted treatment.
No. While there is overlap in some symptoms, complex trauma (C-PTSD) develops in response to repeated or prolonged traumatic events, often involving abuse, neglect, or captivity. Complicated grief involves profound difficulty adjusting to significant loss. Both can affect daily functioning, and both can co-occur with other conditions. A clinical evaluation at Core Spring Diagnostics will distinguish between these presentations and provide clarity about what is driving your symptoms.
Executive function, which includes planning, emotional regulation, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, is frequently disrupted by complex trauma. People with C-PTSD often struggle with impulsivity, difficulty making decisions, emotional flooding, and problems following through on tasks. These challenges can look like ADHD, depression, or personality difficulties without a thorough evaluation to contextualize them. Core Spring Diagnostics addresses executive function directly in every evaluation.
Yes. Dissociative symptoms are a recognized component of complex trauma presentations, and screening for them is built into every C-PTSD evaluation at Core Spring Diagnostics. If significant dissociation is present, it is factored into the diagnostic conclusions and the recommendations address appropriate treatment approaches.
Report timelines depend on the complexity of the case and the evaluation scope. After testing is complete, the psychologist prepares a comprehensive written report before scheduling the feedback session. You will receive the report prior to or during the feedback appointment so you can review the findings and come prepared with questions.
Yes. Core Spring Diagnostics serves individuals from Hales Corners and nearby communities in the Milwaukee southwest suburbs who are seeking a thorough, clinically grounded evaluation for complex trauma. One psychologist manages every stage of the process, providing consistency and depth from the first appointment through the final report.
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