Psychotherapist Volunteers

Why should EMDR therapists volunteer?

Becoming a volunteer with FCTRT Inc provides you with a number of opportunities. Volunteers receive training in the neurobiology of traumatic stress, methods for stabilization and effective post-disaster treatment, techniques for working collaboratively with disaster response teams, and Early EMDR Interventions that can be used within hours, days, or weeks of a traumatic event.

FCTRT Inc is made up of EMDR professionals from our community. There are many ways to get involved.

1) We keep an ever-growing referral list. To be a part of this list you must have a thorough knowledge of First Responder culture and be approved by at least one core member of FCTRT. The therapists on this list agree to field First Responder calls as a 911 call. This means fast response time and a willingness to work with the person to make sure that finances do not interfere with their receiving services. It has been our experience that in general they have good insurance, often Health Savings Accounts (HSA) accounts and that finding a balance for both First Responder and clinician has not been a problem.

2) Become a member of the FCTRT Inc. To do this you must register with us as a volunteer. This is easy to do and does not obligate you to any activity. You will always be asked and have the option of declining. Activities you can get involved in include:

  • Outreach to First Responder organizations
  • Training First Responders to identify and deal with trauma
  • Fundraising to support our efforts
  • Quarterly FCTRT Inc meetings
  • Organizing other FCTRT Inc events and conferences

FCTRT Inc also provides a rich experience to EMDR clinicians:

  • Professional training often at a reduced fee or no fee:
    • Traumatology
    • EMDR Early Intervention (EEI) trauma protocols
  • Community building with other dedicated EMDR professionals wanting to give back and support First Responders

Can non-EMDR therapists volunteer?

Yes, FCTRT Inc is interested in collaborating with anyone who is interested in helping. If you have something to offer please reach out and let’s see what synergies exist to help our community.

Therapists’ Qualification Criteria

In order to be a volunteer with the FCTRT Inc and provide pro-bono treatment, clinicians must meet the following criteria:

EMDR Therapists

1. You must have completed EMDRIA Approved EMDR Basic Training with the 10 hours of Consultation.
2. You must have attended R-TEP Early EMDR intervention training course.
3. You have completed at least 100 hours of direct EMDR clinical work.
4. You are a licensed therapist in the state of Connecticut and carry up-to-date malpractice insurance. Copies of these must be provided to Michael Crouch, LCSW at crouch.wm@gmail.com annually.
5. You have downloaded the forms to be used with clients (and are familiar with them) Note: this section to be completed shortly.

NOTE: EMDR Clinicians who have completed EMDR Basic Training, and work for an agency, may be part of the network and participate in the training and administration. However, they cannot volunteer to provide pro-bono counseling until they meet the above requirements or until their agency provides written acknowledgment that they are covered to provide services under the agency’s liability insurance.

Non-EMDR Therapists

1. You must provide documentation of any specialty certifications.
2. You must attend trainings offered by FCTRT Inc regarding interventions.
3. You are a licensed therapist in the state of Connecticut and carry up-to-date malpractice insurance. Copies of these must be provided to Michael Crouch, LCSW at crouch.wm@gmail.com annually.
4. You have downloaded the forms to be used with clients (and are familiar with them) Note: this section to be completed shortly.

DOWNLOAD THE VOLUNTEER FORM (this form is fillable)

Fill out the form and submit it to:

Michael Crouch, LCSW at crouch.wm@gmail.com via email attachment or by phone at (203) 961-1152

or Fax to:

Karen Alter-Reid, Ph.D. at (203) 329-2701