PURPOSE
OVSJG is seeking to enhance the ability of therapist working in the District to provide trauma specific evidence-based interventions for victims of crime, justice-involved individuals, and youth at risk for truancy or juvenile delinquency in the District. EMDR therapy is an accepted psychotherapy by leading mental health organizations throughout the world for the treatment of a variety of trauma symptoms and conditions. OVSJG will provide an opportunity for up to 30 licensed clinicians to receive certification in EMDR, in order to enhance access to needed trauma specific mental health interventions in the District.
EMDR Basic Certification will be provided by The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). EMDRIA is the organization that sets and administers the standards for EMDR education and training in the United States. EMDRIA is also a professional association for EMDR therapy practitioners and EMDR therapy researchers who seek the highest standards for the clinical use of EMDR.
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Approved applicants must attend all in person sessions (6 days).
Session 1: Sept 13, 14, 15, and
Session 2: Sept 27, 28, 29.
There are no makeup sessions available.
Each training session consists of 10 hours of lecture and 10 hours of practice using EMDR tools and knowledge in the therapist and client role. The 10 hours of consultation required by EMDRIA Standards will be provided by phone consultation to the participants in a group format. Phone consultations will be two hours in length; dates are flexible.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
OVSJG will pay all fees for required training and consultation for Basic Certification directly to EMDRIA. No other fees or costs including lodging, meals or incidentals will be covered. Scholarship recipients who are not OVSJG grantees will be asked to make a commitment to providing at least 30 hours of pro-bono therapy for District residents through the mental health bank of OVSJG’s Enhancing the District’s Response to Trauma project.
ELIGIBILITY
Current OVSJG grantees may submit a single application for a staff member that is currently funded (in part or whole) by an OVSJG grant. Non-grantees are encouraged to limit the number of applications submitted to one application per organization given the limited number of spaces for the training. OVSJG anticipates approving 15 applications from current grantees and 15 applications from non-grantees. Non-grantee applicants must be able to commit to to provide 30 hours of pro-bono therapy for District residents through the mental health bank of OVSJG’s Enhancing the District’s Response to Trauma project.
The OVSJG-EMDR Certification scholarships are awarded on the basis of evaluation and approval by the Scholarship Committee, made up of subject matter experts, experienced licensed clinicians, and trainers from EMDRIA. Areas that are reviewed by the applicant review committee include but are not limited to the following: clinical experience, population(s) served, short personal statement of interest and statement of commitment if applicable. Scholarships awarded are based upon the availability of funds and applicants’ qualifying criteria.
CRITERIA
• Applicants must hold a graduate degree from an accredited institution and hold a license in good standing for the independent practice of therapy in the District of Columbia and have a two years of experience post licensure.
• Applicants must have:
o A Master's Degree in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry, Social Work) or related mental health discipline and be licensed to practice through their state board, OR,
o A Master's Degree in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry, Social Work) or related mental health discipline, must be actively pursuing a full license and currently working under a licensed supervisor.
• OVJSG grantee applicants must be employed in a position that is funded in whole or part by OVSJG.
• Preference will be given to applicants who are bilingual and can provide therapy services in a language other than English.
TIMELINE
• Applications are due August 1, 2019.
• Applicants may be asked to participate in a phone interview by the Scholarship Committee in early August.
• Applicants will be notified by email no later than August 23, 2019.
• Scholarship recipients must complete all certification requirements no later than September 30, 2020.
HOW TO APPLY
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS MUST:
1. Complete an online application.
2. Upload proof of degree in a qualifying field.
3. Upload proof of clinical licensure issued by the District of Columbia
4. Upload a letter from current employer indicating support to attend the training, utilize EMDR interventions with clients, and participate in 10 hours of consultation, if applicable.
5. Upload a personal statement detailing why you are interested in this certification.
6. Non-grantees must include a statement of commitment to provide 30 hours of pro-bono therapy for District residents through the mental health bank of OVSJG’s Enhancing the District’s Response to Trauma project. (3,000 characters maximum).
LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
