APD to provide free training to mental health counselors
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department announced on Tuesday that it has dedicated $50,000 to help train local mental health counselors providing 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,” APD said in a press release.
Clients will be referred to the counselors by APD Victim Services staff following the counselor’s completion of the training.
According to the press release, fees for the training will range from $2,000 to $4,000. This does not include the purchase of textbooks.
However, APD said there is an option for those looking to receive the training free of charge. In exchange for the free training, the counselor will reach an agreement to partner with APD Victim Services and provide survivors of trauma with 50 pro bono sessions within the next three years.
The training will consist of two weekend trainings, plus two additional days, and a series of consultation sessions after each weekend, according to the press release.
To counselors interested in applying for the training, they can apply by visiting the official website or emailing APDemdrApplication@gmail.com
