APD Funds Free EMDR Training, Secures Pro Bono Therapy | The Locally Times
APD commits $50,000 to train local counselors in EMDR, securing hundreds of hours of free therapy for trauma survivors.
## APD Invests in Trauma Care with Free EMDR Training Hundreds of Austin trauma survivors will gain access to specialized therapy thanks to a new Austin Police Department (APD) initiative funding free training for local mental health professionals. The APD announced on April 1, 2026, that its Victim Services division will partner with non-profit and private sector counselors across the Austin area. This initiative invests $50,000 to train local mental health counselors in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, aiming to expand specialized care for trauma survivors. The program's goal is to equip selected professionals with EMDR skills. This therapeutic approach focuses on disturbing emotions and symptoms resulting from traumatic events, assisting the brain’s information processing system to facilitate natural healing and promote positive mental health. EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and has demonstrated effectiveness for trauma treatment. The training, which typically costs between $2,000 and $4,000, will be provided free of charge to participating counselors, representing a significant professional development opportunity for mental health professionals in Austin. ## The Exchange: Training for Pro Bono Service In exchange for the free EMDR training, selected counselors must agree to provide 50 pro bono counseling sessions to trauma survivors referred by APD Victim Services within three years. The April 1 announcement details the virtual training program, conducted over two weekends with additional mandatory consultation sessions. Counselors will have the option to train with Dr. Rick Levinson, with sessions scheduled for October 10, October 23-25, 2026, January 10, and January 16-18, 2027. Alternatively, training is available with Dr. Christie Sprowls, with dates set for July 24-26, and September 25-27, 2026. All training dates are virtual. Participants will also receive lifelong access to the EMDR trainers and staff for consultation, providing ongoing support for their practice. However, the cost of required textbooks is not covered by the program, and participants must purchase these materials with their own funds. This arrangement establishes a direct service commitment, linking professional development to tangible community benefit through hundreds of hours of specialized therapy. ## Who Can Apply: Eligibility and Deadline Applicants for the EMDR training program must hold licensure as an LPC, LMFT, LCSW, or PsyD, or be actively pursuing licensure. The April 1 announcement indicates a preference for applicants with at least three years of experience working with trauma survivors and at-risk populations. The department is specifically seeking counselors interested in partnering to better serve the broader Austin area community. The deadline for submitting applications for this training program is April 24, 2026, at 5 p.m. Prospective participants must meet the stated professional qualifications and commit to the pro bono service agreement to be considered for the program. The application process seeks to identify qualified professionals dedicated to expanding trauma care access. ## Long-Term Impact: Boosting Austin's Mental Health Infrastructure This initiative directly addresses the need for specialized mental health services in Austin by increasing the pool of qualified trauma therapists. By fostering partnerships with local mental health counselors, APD Victim Services aims to enhance access to key support for residents affected by traumatic events, contributing to improved mental health outcomes and overall community well-being. The program's $50,000 investment is designed to translate directly into hundreds of hours of pro bono therapy for those in need, offering a significant resource for individuals who might otherwise face barriers to accessing such specialized care. While the specific number of counselors that will be selected for the training is not detailed in the available records, the program's structure indicates a clear focus on maximizing the reach of specialized trauma care across the city. This approach seeks to build capacity within the local mental health infrastructure, providing long-term benefits to Austin residents. ## Key Questions **Who is eligible to apply for this training?** Applicants must be licensed as an LPC, LMFT, LCSW, or PsyD, or be pursuing licensure, and preferably have at least three years of experience with trauma survivors and at-risk populations. **What is the commitment for counselors who receive the training?** Counselors must agree to provide 50 pro bono EMDR counseling sessions to trauma survivors referred by APD Victim Services within three years of completing the training. **When is the application deadline?** The deadline to apply for the EMDR training program is April 24, 2026, at 5 p.m.