APD Victim Services to Provide Free Training to Counselors

The Austin Police (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 April 24, 2026, at 5 p.m.
  
TRAINING PROVIDED BY:
Rick Levinson, LCSW,

• October 10, 2026
• October 23-25, 2026
• January 10, 2027
• January 16-18, 2027
• Participants must attend all dates listed above

Dr. Christie Sprowls, PsyD.,

• July 24-26, 2026
• September 25-27, 2026
• Participants must attend all dates listed above

All Training Dates are Virtual
 
APD EMDR Project 2026 - Application Information
 REQUIREMENTS

• Licensed as an LPC, LMFT, LCSW, PsyD (or pursuing licensure)
• Three years of experience working with survivors of trauma (preferred)
• Familiarity working with at-risk populations (preferred)
• Commitment of 50 sessions pro bono within the next three calendar years
• Commitment to regularly work with at least one referred victim of crime once training is completed until the end of the required 50 sessions pro bono
• Letter of commitment to waive waitlists and session limits for clients referred by the project from your agency or yourself if in private practice

PROCESS
Submit the following items to APDemdrApplication@gmail.com. Incomplete applications will not be considered. When possible, please submit all items together.

• Letter of interest detailing
• How you meet the requirements
• Which training(s) you are available to attend
• Where you will provide the pro bono sessions (specific address)
• Please indicate if you will provide a mix of telehealth and in-person sessions (preference will be given to applicants providing in-person sessions)
• If you conduct therapy exclusively by telehealth, please provide information on the platform you use
• Contact information
• Resume
• Highlight areas of expertise, languages spoken, and other relevant skills
• Include your license number
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your capacity to work with survivors of trauma (include at least one past or present supervisor)
• NOTE: All applications must include information about where you will provide the pro bono sessions. APD does not have the capacity to provide space.
• If you work for a private practice/agency/non-profit/government/etc. - please note the location of the office where you will see clients.
• If this location is at your place of work (including during work hours via telehealth), you MUST include a Letter of Agreement & Commitment from the agency stating that you are allowed to use the space, that all waitlists, fees, and session limits will be waived, and any limitations or guidelines that will exist for your use of the space or time.

Questions? Contact APD Victim Services:
Email: APDEMDR@gmail.com                   
Phone: (512) 974-5037
Website:

If selected for the project, you will be contacted by someone from APD Victim Services.