The Austin Police Department (APD) has $50,000 to train local mental health counselors within the non-profit and private sectors to provide counseling to survivors of trauma. The goal of this project is to train selected counselors in utilizing a form of therapy known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in exchange for 50 pro bono counseling sessions for survivors of trauma as referred by APD. The clients will be referred to the counselors by APD Victim Services staff following the counselor’s completion of the training. 
 
EMDR focuses on the disturbing emotions and symptoms that result from a traumatic event and assists the brain’s information processing system so that it can organically move toward natural healing and positive mental health. EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and has demonstrated effectiveness for trauma. 

APD is specifically looking for mental health counselors that are interested in a partnership to better serve the larger Austin area community. Counselors who have experience working with a variety of clients and communities are encouraged to apply for this training program.

Fees for this training normally range from $2,000-$4,000. Selected participants will receive this training free of charge in exchange for an agreement to partner with APD Victim Services and provide survivors of trauma with 50 pro bono sessions within the next three years. Also included as an added benefit for the selected counselors is lifelong access to the EMDR trainers and staff for EMDR consultation purposes. Please note that the cost of textbooks is NOT included in this project and participants will be required to purchase textbooks with their own funds.
 
The EMDR training consists of 2 weekends of training (plus 2 additional days with Dr. Levinson’s training) and a series of consultation sessions after each weekend. Participants will be expected to participate in all of the required consultations.

The deadline to apply is May 3, 2024 at 5pm.

For additional project information including who will provide training and the requirements, click here.