Advanced Specialized Treatments
About Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)
An Innovative Treatment Option for Trauma Recovery
For some first responders, military members, veterans, and their spouses or significant others, traditional therapy alone may not fully relieve the physical symptoms of trauma. When clinically appropriate, a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) may be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
A Stellate Ganglion Block is a minimally invasive medical procedure performed by a licensed physician. It involves injecting a local anesthetic near a collection of nerves in the neck called the stellate ganglion. These nerves are part of the sympathetic nervous system, which plays a significant role in the body's fight, flight, or freeze response.
Research and clinical experience suggest that, for some individuals living with PTSD or chronic trauma-related stress, an SGB may help reduce the body's persistent state of hyperarousal. Many people report improvements in symptoms such as hypervigilance, anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, and an exaggerated startle response. While an SGB is not a cure for PTSD, it may help "turn down the volume" on the nervous system, allowing individuals to engage more effectively in trauma-focused therapy and other evidence-based treatments.
At 2nd Alarm to Second Wind Foundation, we believe that healing often requires more than one approach. Through our Intensive Healing & Retreat Program, we may provide grant funding to help eligible individuals access SGB treatment through approved medical providers when clinically appropriate and funding is available. The Foundation does not perform or administer medical procedures. All SGB treatments are provided independently by licensed medical professionals.
Our Clinical Partner for SGB
We are proud to partner with Stella Mental Health, a national leader in providing Stellate Ganglion Block treatments and other innovative approaches for trauma recovery. Their experienced medical team specializes in caring for first responders, military members, veterans, and others living with the effects of trauma.
Learn More
If you're considering whether an SGB may be appropriate for you, we encourage you to review the educational resources below and discuss this option with your healthcare provider.
Educational Guides
Educational Videos
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Patient Stories and Experiences
The educational materials, informational videos, and patient testimonials on this page are provided courtesy of our clinical partner, Stella Mental Health, and are shared for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We encourage you to consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual circumstances and to explore additional educational resources available through Stella Mental Health.
Medical Disclaimer
A Stellate Ganglion Block is a medical procedure that should only be performed by licensed healthcare professionals after an appropriate medical evaluation. Individual results vary, and not every person is an appropriate candidate for treatment. The Foundation does not provide medical advice, diagnose medical conditions, or guarantee treatment outcomes. Participation in the Foundation's Intensive Healing & Retreat Program is subject to program guidelines, clinical appropriateness, and available funding.
About Ketamine-Assisted Brainspotting Intensives
A Specialized Approach to Trauma Recovery
For some individuals, traditional weekly therapy may not provide the depth or pace of healing needed after significant trauma. When clinically appropriate, Ketamine-Assisted Brainspotting Intensives offer an immersive, trauma-informed approach designed to support deeper emotional processing and nervous system healing.
Brainspotting is a brain-body therapy that helps access and process trauma stored within the nervous system. When combined with ketamine under appropriate medical supervision, some individuals experience increased emotional accessibility, greater openness to processing difficult experiences, and enhanced neuroplasticity, allowing for meaningful therapeutic work that may be difficult to achieve through talk therapy alone.
Through our Intensive Healing & Retreat Program, the 2nd Alarm to Second Wind Foundation provides Ketamine-Assisted Brainspotting Intensives delivered by trained, trauma-informed mental health clinicians. Individuals are referred to independent licensed medical providers for medical evaluation, determination of appropriateness, ketamine prescribing, and medical monitoring. The psychotherapy intensive is provided by Foundation clinicians in collaboration with the individual's medical provider to ensure care is delivered safely and within each provider's scope of practice.
By integrating specialized trauma therapy with coordinated medical care, the Foundation expands access to innovative, evidence-informed treatment options that may help individuals who have not experienced sufficient improvement through traditional outpatient treatment.
