Basic EMDR Training Eligibility Requirements
Licensed Mental Health Professionals
- Qualifying Medical Doctors must have a medical specialty in Psychiatry and must also be licensed to practice in their state or province.
- Qualifying Nurses must have a Master of Science in Nursing (or higher) with a specialization in psychiatric nursing and must also be licensed to practice in their state or province.
- Qualifying Mental Health Clinicians must have a Master’s or Doctoral degree in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry, Social Work) or related mental health discipline considered appropriate by EMDRIA and must also be licensed to practice in their state or province.
- Mental Health Clinicians who have a Master’s degree in one of the following fields must submit their graduate transcript to EMDRIA to determine their eligibility: Art Therapy, Christian/Pastoral Counseling, Drug/Alcohol Counseling, and Music Therapy. These clinicians will also need to submit a copy of their license to practice in their state or province in order to determine their eligibility.
Associates, Interns & Students
- Qualifying graduate students must be enrolled in a Master’s or Doctoral program in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nursing, Social Work) or related mental health discipline considered appropriate by EMDRIA. Students must have completed their core graduate academic coursework and must be in the practicum/internship portion of their graduate program. Graduate students must be on a licensing track and working under the supervision of a fully licensed mental health clinician.
- Graduate students who are enrolled in a Master’s program in one of the following fields must submit their graduate course transcript to EMDRIA to determine their eligibility: Art Therapy, Christian/Pastoral Counseling, Drug/Alcohol Counseling, and Music Therapy.
- Students who would like to take the basic training will need to submit the following documentation to determine eligibility for registering for an EMDRIA Approved Basic EMDR Training: graduate transcript, practicum or internship hours, curriculum vita, and a letter from their current supervisor which includes the supervisor’s degree information, licensure information, and license number.
Showing 104 comments
I have a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and am currently a LPC-I completing my supervision hours to receive my LPC, am I eligible to attend this training?
Yes.
Are LAC allowed? I’m from AZ
Yes, if you are this: Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. … Other common titles for this provisional license are Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Limited License Professional Counselor (LLPC), and Licensed Professional Counselor – Intern (LPC-I). j
I have a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy with a focus in Psychology. I did a psychiatric rotation for three months and a 20 bed lock down unit and also do collage interpretation would I be eligible for this training. I am also a full-time Clinical Associate Faculty.
The question is, are you licensed to practice psychotherapy in your state? If so, then yes. If not, then now. j
Hi, I have a Master’s degree in Human Service and Bachelor in Psycology and Human service, I worked for 8 years with addiction in Italy and Switzerland, I moved to US 5 yrs ago, I actually have LCDC intern, am I eligible to attend the EMDR training?
Thank you for your suggestion
Hello, I am a CMHC graduate student. I have completed all of my core requirements and I will begin my internship after I complete my practicum requirements in May 2019. The only supervisor that I have is the one from my practicum site and my professor. Would a letter from my professor be sufficient? Am I eligible to attend this upcoming training?
If you’re doing your practicum, then yes.
I am certified as a Pastoral Clinical Temperament Counselor through NCCA, do I qualify?
I don’t know. You need to be licensed by the state as a type of mental health counselor.
Hi, I am a Dominican psychologist, with 3 years of practice in Dominican republic and a master’s degree in heath psychology, I would like to know if I qualify for the virtual training.
Our trainings are for residents of the US, Canada or Mexico only. So, no. you wouldn’t qualify.
Looking forward to being part of the training in March!
Cheryl Rutherford LPC
Grapevine
After taking this training, will I be certified as an EMDR specialist? I am an LCPC and licensed in Illinois.
At the end of this training you are a Fully trained EMDR therapist and this is the pathway to work towards certification in EMDR. However, Certification is the next step, and this training, itself, does not make you certified. With this training you will be qualified to use EMDR with most all of your clients, the only exception being clients diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder, in which case you would want further consultation. j
After this training, you will be a fully trained EMDR therapist qualified to do EMDR with most clients. “Certified” requires an advanced level of training, of which this training is the first step. j
Do you have a specific format or sample for the letter of the supervisor?
Students who would like to take the basic training will need to submit the following documentation to determine eligibility for registering for an EMDRIA Approved Basic EMDR Training: graduate transcript, practicum or internship hours, curriculum vita, and a letter from their current supervisor which includes the supervisor’s degree information, licensure information, and license number.
As an LPC-Intern, which selection do I make for my cart?
The Intern rate.
Hello,
I have a bachelor’s in psychology and a doctorate in occupational therapy. I work with many children and adults with sensory and regulation issues. I would like to learn about EMDR to see how I could use yhis technique to improve regulation and manage overstimulation. Please let me know if I can register for your course jn Jan.
Thank you.
Hi Monica,
I don’t think so but I’d like to talk with you about it. We could look into it further with EMDRIA.
Jordan
I have a Masters in Educational Administration and a Certification in School Counseling. Am I eligible for the training?
I don’t think you would be eligible. Need to be LPC or LPC Intern.
I have a Masters in Education and a Masters in Counseling and Guidance. Am I eligible for the training?
HI Mr. Shafer I am an LPC, but currently work for a school district as a special education counselor. I have 3 questions:
1. Regarding the payment options: Since I work for a school district, would that qualify me as a non-profit?
2. After this training is complete, what other requirements are needed to become EMDR certified.
3. What might a two-hour consultation look like.
1. Yes.
2. This link may take you to EMDRIA for info on certification: https://www.emdria.org/page/21
3. Trainees present cases and feedback is given.
Does the non-profit price apply to me if work for a non-profit organization?
Yes
I am a fully licensed mental health clinician, and an active duty military spouse. Am i eligible for the military discount?
Yes.
I am a current CMHC student in practicum. When I go to register for this training, it asks me for a student number. What do I put here?
Hi Kelsey,
Well, your student number if you have one, if not, any number will do. It’s a required number for Licensed people, so we had to find a way to fill the field…
If you have a Master’s in Counseling with a state credential (Pupil Personnel Services in California), but are not licensed as a clinical therapist, could you take this training? Basically, the question is are school counselors allowed to take this training?
Hi Elizabeth,
It is my understanding that a school counselor that is not licensed as a clinical therapist is not eligible to take the training. From the eligibility requirements below: “…and must also be licensed to practice in their state or province.” That means, licensed to practice as a mental health practitioner, as I understand it.
Basic EMDR Training Eligibility Requirements
Licensed Mental Health Professionals
Qualifying Medical Doctors must have a medical specialty in Psychiatry and must also be licensed to practice in their state or province.
Qualifying Nurses must have a Master of Science in Nursing (or higher) with a specialization in psychiatric nursing and must also be licensed to practice in their state or province.
Qualifying Mental Health Clinicians must have a Master’s or Doctoral degree in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry, Social Work) or related mental health discipline considered appropriate by EMDRIA and must also be licensed to practice in their state or province.
Mental Health Clinicians who have a Master’s degree in one of the following fields must submit their graduate transcript to EMDRIA to determine their eligibility: Art Therapy, Christian/Pastoral Counseling, Drug/Alcohol Counseling, and Music Therapy. These clinicians will also need to submit a copy of their license to practice in their state or province in order to determine their eligibility.
Associates, Interns & Students
Qualifying graduate students must be enrolled in a Master’s or Doctoral program in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nursing, Social Work) or related mental health discipline considered appropriate by EMDRIA. Students must have completed their core graduate academic coursework and must be in the practicum/internship portion of their graduate program. Graduate students must be on a licensing track and working under the supervision of a fully licensed mental health clinician.
Graduate students who are enrolled in a Master’s program in one of the following fields must submit their graduate course transcript to EMDRIA to determine their eligibility: Art Therapy, Christian/Pastoral Counseling, Drug/Alcohol Counseling, and Music Therapy.
Students who would like to take the basic training will need to submit the following documentation to determine eligibility for registering for an EMDRIA Approved Basic EMDR Training: graduate transcript, practicum or internship hours, curriculum vita, and a letter from their current supervisor which includes the supervisor’s degree information, licensure information, and license number.
Can I practice EMDR prior to receiving my LPC Intern license even though I have attended the trainings?
EMDR is counseling, so the question would be are you able to practice counseling without a license. EMDR would not be an exception to that.
I am an MFT graduate who has already completed Practicum & 4 Internships and working on taking NCE soon. I am also a TBRI Practitioner~do I qualify and do I still need a letter since I don’t have a supervisor?
I don’t know. Call me so we can talk about it. (972) 342 2448. Jordan
I recently graduated with my Master of Arts in Counseling. I am a fully licensed LCDC and waiting to take the NCE. Would I be eligible to take this now. I have taken Brainspotting 1 & 2.
Yes. As a licensed LCDC with a Masters degree in a counseling field you are eligible to take then training. During the training you will need actual clients to use EMDR with and I think you’ll have that.
Am I able to train as a graduate student in the fall if I fully complete my practicum and internship by the end of summer? I will have two classes I need to finish up during the fall to graduate but will be done with field placement by then.
I am a therapist but I’m licenced in Romania. Am I still eligible for the training to become a qualified EMDR therapist?
I have a Masters in Education and a Masters in Counseling and Guidance. Am I eligible for the training?
The guideline stipulates, “and must also be licensed to practice in their state or province.” – So, unless. you’re a student in a practicum program, or a licensed intern then no, as far as I understand it.
I’m almost done with my Master’s in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling. Due to COVID-19, my clinical hours were severely delayed, however, I am almost done and as soon as my degree is conferred, I will be applying as an LPC-I with my state board. COVID-19 is also severely delaying the board’s approval turn around of intern applications, so I may hold a Master’s degree, could be in an awkward waiting period of getting on a board-approved intern plan. If I have a supervisor that is willing to work with me, but the board has not yet approved my internship plan, can I still register? Also, I think I saw the option to make a payment plan. Is this available in check-out?
Thank you!
Also, can I register now while I am still a student? I forgot to include that above. Thank you!
Hi Rachel,
Yes, you are or will be in that awkward place where you’re not a student in a practicum and you’re not licensed as a counselor; however, it is my understanding through EMDRIA that you are eligible to take the training. You can sign-up for the training as an intern, and yes there is a payment plan. It is at the bottom of the shopping cart. 1/3 down and then 1/3 for the two months to follow.
Thanks,
Jordan
I am in a Doctor of Professional Counseling Program, and I am also a fully licensed and practicing LPC in Texas, so I am a grad student obviously. Do I qualify fro the grad student rate?
Yes. j
Yes.
Do you have a sample of the letter you want from my supervisor so that I can sign up for the course? I’m a Pre-doc Intern in Psychology and would like to add this to my offerings. Also, does my supervisor have to be EMDR certified to sign off for me to take the class?
Thanks!
We don’t have a sample of the letter but it just needs this: “a letter from their current supervisor which includes the supervisor’s degree information, licensure information, and license number” and verification that you are an Intern. No, your supervisor does not need to be EMDR trained for certified. j
I am a Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor practicing in the corrections field. I am licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners – LASAC-15305. Graduated with a Master’s in Addiction Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Am I eligible for your training?
Yes, you are licensed by the State and even though it is for substance abuse, you have a Master’s in a counseling field, which with those two things together you’re qualified.
Would this qualify me to be EMDRIA certified in EMDR?
Hi Sheena,
At the end of this training you are a Fully trained EMDR therapist and this is the pathway to work towards certification in EMDR. However, Certification is the next step, and this training, itself, does not make you certified. With this training you will be qualified to use EMDR with most all of your clients, the only exception being clients diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder, in which case you would need further training. j
Hi, I’m a licensed School Counselor in the state of Michigan. Would I qualify for this training?
I don’t think so as you would need to be equivalent to Michigan LPC. Licensed school counselors in Texas are not qualified to take the EMDR training because they are not licensed professional counselors, and it looks like Michigan is similar. j
Hello,
I am a Nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from USF. I have worked in the industry in this capacity for 20 years, providing adjustment to disability counseling as well as other evaluations. My thesis in college was in EMDR therapy. Would I be able to take this course?
Hi Cindy,
I don’t think so because it says you need to be licensed in the State that you are working. But if you contact me directly, I’ll be happy to look into it further. Jordan
Hello I have a Masters in Education- school counseling and completed the LMHC extension. I’ve sat for the examinations and completed my clinical hours. I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Indians. Am I able to take this training?
**Indiana- sorry for the typo
Yes.
Hello– I am an MSW student at Grand Canyon University. I am still in my first year, but have already started my first internship/field experience rotation at a shelter that provides 1:1 counseling and group counseling for substance abuse, anger management, etc. My supervisor is an LCSW. I am also a licensed Pediatrician with over 20 years of experience. Would I qualify under the graduate student for eligibility?
I am a FL Dept of Health Licensed School Psychologist, and also an AR (Board of Psychologists) Licensed Psychological Examiner with individual/group counseling on my statement of intent. I work in schools as a school psychologist (specialist level, Ed.S.). Do I qualify for this training? I would love to be able to use this with my school age students who are struggling.
Hi, I am a current grad student in MSW program. However, I don’t start my internship until next semester can I take it now or do I have to wait until I start the internship?
Hi Amy,
As far as I know, you’ll need to wait until you start your internship, because that way you’ll be under supervision and have clients to work with. If I’m missing something let me know.
Thanks,
Jordan
Hello, I am an ASW. Do I need a supervisor to sign off on the EMDR training?
If you have a state license as an ASW, then you don’t need a letter from your Supervisor. Jordan
Thank you, Jordan. Once I finish the training, would I only be able to provide EMDR therapy if my supervisor is EMDR certified? Or is it okay to practice under my supervisors license regardless of if she has EMDR training or not?
Once you have finished training you are qualified to use EMDR Therapy with all of your clients. As far as I am concerned, you are able to practice EMDR with a supervisor who is not EMDR trained, although that would be up to your supervisor. Think of it like you’ve learned a different therapeutic modality, EMDR, and you’re doing that with clients. We do provide ongoing support in terms of the face book group (CompassionWorks EMDR Therapists) and I do a free weekly consultation that you would be eligible to ask questions in, so we do have ongoing support. Of course, another possibility would be to get your supervisor trained in EMDR!
Great thanks! Just one last question… what times are offered for the five 2-hour group consultations that are required? Is there availability to do this on weekends or evenings for those of us who work during normal business hours?
Hi Hannah,
We do offer the consultation groups at different times. Usually there is a Saturday group and evening groups. The evening groups are 6 to 8 pm Central times, so depending on your times zone may make a difference if it is after work or not. So far, we’ve been able to accommodate everyone whose ever taken the training, so it should work for you. Now, the consultations are part of the training, so often work places make accommodation for that, especially if you’re taking the training for your job.
I have a Masters in counseling and guidance with a specialization in school counseling. Am I eligible for this training? Thank you for any info.
In order to eligible for the training you would like to be licensed in the state as a Licensed Professional Counselor or the equivilant, school counselors usually don’t have that license.
Greetings,
I am an LMSW in LA. I am also currently in supervision for my LCSW and I am a Doctoral student current in dissertation. Am I eligible to take the training?
Yes, you are qualified to take the training. Sounds like you would qualify for the student rate. Jordan
I have been a certified addictions counselor in Georgia, NCACII, for 8 years, but do not have a Master’s degree. Would I be eligible to take this training?
Hi Cheryl,
From the guidelines for the Basic EMDR Training Eligibility Requirements, you would not be eligible, as to be qualified you would need a master’s degree in a counseling related field.
Thanks,
Jordan
Licensed Mental Health Professionals
Qualifying Mental Health Clinicians must have a Master’s or Doctoral degree in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry, Social Work) or related mental health discipline considered appropriate by EMDRIA and must also be licensed to practice in their state or province.
Mental Health Clinicians who have a Master’s degree in one of the following fields must submit their graduate transcript to EMDRIA to determine their eligibility: Art Therapy, Christian/Pastoral Counseling, Drug/Alcohol Counseling, and Music Therapy. These clinicians will also need to submit a copy of their license to practice in their state or province in order to determine their eligibility.
Associates, Interns & Students
Qualifying graduate students must be enrolled in a Master’s or Doctoral program in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nursing, Social Work) or related mental health discipline considered appropriate by EMDRIA. Students must have completed their core graduate academic coursework and must be in the practicum/internship portion of their graduate program. Graduate students must be on a licensing track and working under the supervision of a fully licensed mental health clinician.
Graduate students who are enrolled in a Master’s program in one of the following fields must submit their graduate course transcript to EMDRIA to determine their eligibility: Art Therapy, Christian/Pastoral Counseling, Drug/Alcohol Counseling, and Music Therapy.
Students who would like to take the basic training will need to submit the following documentation to determine eligibility for registering for an EMDRIA Approved Basic EMDR Training: graduate transcript, practicum or internship hours, curriculum vita, and a letter from their current supervisor which includes the supervisor’s degree information, licensure information, and license number.
Hi, would I be eligible for this training if I have a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling and am licensed as an LCDC in Texas?
Hi Elizabeth,
I think that technically you need to submit your transcripts for your Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling to EMDRIA for their determination. You can contact Sarah Tolino (stolino@emdria.org) and she can make the official determination. I think you do qualify but the final determination would be made by Ms Tolino.
Thanks,
Jordan
I am a Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (LAMFT) in Arizona. I graduated with my MAMFT in 2020 and am still working on my hours, for full licensure, under my supervisor. Am I eligible for this training?
Yes! Thanks, Jordan
H! I am a Master level clinician working toward my licence under the supervision at the agency in Massachusetts. Will I be eligible for the EMDR training with the letter from my supervisor? Thank you!
Yes.
I have a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (MACC). This is not a licensed degree. It is a Christian /Pastoral Counseling degree. Am I eligible to practice EMDR?
The rule is as follows: Qualifying Mental Health Clinicians must have a Master’s or Doctoral degree in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry, Social Work) or related mental health discipline considered appropriate by EMDRIA and must also be licensed to practice in their state or province.
So, the “and must also be licensed to practice in their state or province” means you wouldn’t be.
Thanks, Jordan
I have a masters degree in Counseling with a specialization in addictions. I currently hold a full license as a LCAS (Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist) in my state, I have received my international certification in addictions, ICAADC and currently am a Certified Clinical Supervisor intern (CCSI) also in my state I am the Clinical Supervisor for a treatment center dual diagnosis program, do I qualify to take the EMDR training?
Yes. You have a masters degree in counseling related field and are licensed by the state as an LCAS. So, that’s what is needed.
Thanks,
Jordan
Thanks Jordon for the quick reply . This makes me extremely happy that I qualify . Be enrolling soon then
Thanks Jordon for the quick reply . This makes me extremely happy that I qualify . Be enrolling soon then
Hi Jordan,
I am a practicing school psychologist and licensed educational psychologist LEP under California board of behavioral sciences: BBS. I have a BA in psychology, a MA in school psychology PPSP credential. I believe that this does mean I qualify for the training? Can you please confirm?
Thank you!
Hi Heather,
Yes, you are qualified for the training because you license qualifies you to provide counseling to individuals, groups, and families.
Thanks,
Jordan
Hi,
I have a masters in Applied Psychology with a specialization in Counseling Psychologist and I have been a practicing therapist in India for the past 5 years and recently moved to the States. How can I meet the eligibility criteria for this training?
If you intend to work doing EMDR in the US as a therapist, then you’ll need to be licensed by the state in which you are working to take the training.
If you intend to practice in India, then the criteria may be different.
Thanks,
Jordan
HI I am a licensed Chemical dependency counselor (LCDC) in the State of Texas, can I apply for EMDR training?
If you have a MS degree in a counseling related field, then yes.
Can you apply for EMDR training if your masters is in neuroscience or cognitive science?
Hi Melissa,
I don’t think so. If you’re still in a graduate program, it needs to be in a counseling oriented program of which you’d be in the practicum portion of it. If you’re post-graduate then you need a state counseling license to qualify for the training. I’ll put the guidelines below.
Basic EMDR Training Eligibility Requirements
Licensed Mental Health Professionals
Qualifying Medical Doctors must have a medical specialty in Psychiatry and must also be licensed to practice in their state or province.
Qualifying Nurses must have a Master of Science in Nursing (or higher) with a specialization in psychiatric nursing and must also be licensed to practice in their state or province.
Qualifying Mental Health Clinicians must have a Master’s or Doctoral degree in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry, Social Work) or related mental health discipline considered appropriate by EMDRIA and must also be licensed to practice in their state or province.
Mental Health Clinicians who have a Master’s degree in one of the following fields must submit their graduate transcript to EMDRIA to determine their eligibility: Art Therapy, Christian/Pastoral Counseling, Drug/Alcohol Counseling, and Music Therapy. These clinicians will also need to submit a copy of their license to practice in their state or province in order to determine their eligibility.
Associates, Interns & Students
Qualifying graduate students must be enrolled in a Master’s or Doctoral program in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nursing, Social Work) or related mental health discipline considered appropriate by EMDRIA. Students must have completed their core graduate academic coursework and must be in the practicum/internship portion of their graduate program. Graduate students must be on a licensing track and working under the supervision of a fully licensed mental health clinician.
Graduate students who are enrolled in a Master’s program in one of the following fields must submit their graduate course transcript to EMDRIA to determine their eligibility: Art Therapy, Christian/Pastoral Counseling, Drug/Alcohol Counseling, and Music Therapy.
Students who would like to take the basic training will need to submit the following documentation to determine eligibility for registering for an EMDRIA Approved Basic EMDR Training: graduate transcript, practicum or internship hours, curriculum vita, and a letter from their current supervisor which includes the supervisor’s degree information, licensure information, and license number.
Hi Jordan,
I work under supervision as a provisionally licensed clinical social worker in my state – could you please tell me if this qualifies for the intern rate, or should I register as fully licensed? Thank you!
Hi Karah,
You would register at the intern rate. Hope to see you soon!
Jordan
Wonderful, thank you, will be looking forward to it!