Free EMDR Certification

The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work is excited to partner with the PA Department of Human Services' Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) to provide high-quality Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training and certification to qualified PA Medicaid mental health providers with the intent of increasing knowledge, expertise, and skillsets.

EMDR is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention that is most often used to treat trauma. It focuses on the individual’s present concerns and goes beyond talk therapy to use eye movements and other forms of stimulation to activate the brain’s ability to resolve these concerns. EMDR can help to process upsetting memories, thoughts, and feelings related to the trauma. By processing these experiences, relief from trauma symptoms may occur.

Crafted with your timetable at the forefront, we've streamlined the process, making it easier and more accessible than ever to integrate EMDR into your practice...allowing you to excel in this revolutionary therapy.

Applications for this program are now closed.

All upcoming training cohorts will be selected and notified 4 weeks prior to the scheduled training date start. If you do not receive an email you have not been selected for that month's cohort.

Please ensure you check all email folders (junk included) and respond promptly to our email invitation or your spot may be given to another training participant. Decisions are made based on demographics, county representation, area/scope of work, and more factors to create diverse cohorts. We are not able to respond to emails sent to check on your personal application status.

Dive into a cooperative learning setting alongside fellow professionals who share your interests, eliminating any apprehensions about mastering a new therapeutic approach in this comprehensive certification program.

• Become fully EMDR Certified!
• Obtain 52 hours of Continuing Education
• All training and consultations are virtual
• Unlimited access to videos, printable worksheets, slides, handouts, and more
• Excellence in learning with trainers who are world-renowned trauma and EMDR experts
• Our program is ONLY for licensed helping professionals in PA who are Medicaid providers

To be eligible for EMDR certification (per EMDRIA standards), training participants must obtain the highest level of licensure in their field. If you are in the process of obtaining your licensure, you may apply once you have it and meet all other program criteria. For PA providers, this is the confirmed list of clinical licensures that are eligible for this program: 

• LCSW
• LPC
• LMFT
• Licensed Psychologist
• RN
• MD

This program consists of six phases:

• 20 hours of didactic (lecture) - live virtual training
• 20 hours of experiential practice - live group virtual learning
• 10 hour of group consultation - virtual
• 12 hours of EMDR Continuing Education – live virtual trainings
• ​20 additional hours of consultation for certification while seeing clients -10 hours of group consultation, 10 hours of individual
• EMDR Certification Application

Participants must commit to the following:

• Complete the entire 40-hour EMDR basic training course (which includes the initial 10 hours of group consultation) within 12 months from your initial start
• Complete an additional 20 hours of consultation (10 hours individual, 10 group)
• Conduct a minimum of 50 clinical sessions with at least 25 different clients in which EMDR is utilized
• Complete 12 hours of continuing education in EMDR
• Apply for EMDR certification
• Sign a binding commitment agreement (The agreement states that you will complete all of the parts of the certification program, continue to reside in PA, and stay employed at an organization that meets eligibility criteria for the length of the program. If not, you will need to repay the training and consultation cost so that can be used towards another training participant)
• Complete regular surveys and data-gathering assessments
• Committing the time and energy to finish the entire certification process

Available spots are extremely limited – Secure your spot by registering now to join your fellow cohort! This offer is exclusively available for licensed helping professionals in Pennsylvania.

Training Dates:

• August 12-14, and August 19-20
• September 16 - 20
• October 28, 29, 30 and November 6, 7

Training Considerations

Technical Preparedness:

• Ensure a stable internet connection
• Use an updated web browser and install any required software.
• Utilize a hands-free device such as a desktop, laptop, I-Pad (mobile devices not recommended)
• We will be using Zoom so ensure you check for updates prior to training
• Plan for backup internet and power options.
• Share a contact number with staff and or group members for technical issues.

Workspace Setup and Setting:

• Create a quiet distraction free workspace
• Workspace lighting is better when it's front facing and not back lit.
• Choose comfortable functional and learner friendly seating.
• Please do not engage in training while operating a motor vehicle
• Please be in a confidential workspace like you would in a therapy session

Preparation for Materials:

• Download and review pre-training materials.
• Consider printing the practice worksheets for practicum
• Review and begin MYQuest assignments
• Have a notepad and pen ready for notes.
• Save digital resources and materials for future reference.
• Be punctual and return timely from assigned breaks.

Communication Recommendations, Confidentiality, and Security:

• Mute the microphone when not speaking.
• Utilize the chat feature for questions or raise your hand to address the facilitator directly.
• Always keep the camera on this is an EMDRIA requirement.
• Ensure confidentiality and security
• Consider a headset with a microphone to enhance your audio experience.
• Respect others' background and appearance.
• Be courteous during discussions.

Self-Care Considerations:

• Dress comfortably and appropriately.
• Have snacks, hydrate, caffeinate if needed
• Rest well prior to training and prepare to rest after
• Consider not scheduling work or only light work after training daily.

FAQ

Am I Qualified for this Program?

• You must meet the following qualifications to be eligible for this free program:
• Be independently licensed or certified in your profession with a minimum of two years’ experience in your field
• Provide billable mental health services in Pennsylvania
• Either you as a practitioner or your larger organization must be an approved and active Medicaid provider with a PROMISe ID number
• Having access to and ability to conduct a minimum of 50 clinical sessions with at least 25 different clients
• Have access to a working computer with a good quality camera and microphone and a comfortable understanding of how to use technology to access online trainings and course materials

What if I don’t meet the qualifications for this program?

You may still enroll in this program but will need to pay for the training and consultation services provided, as well as the CE courses and certification application fee. Estimated total cost is between $2,000-$3,000

What is EMDR Basic Training?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention that focuses on the individual’s present concerns and goes beyond talk therapy to use eye movements and other forms of stimulation to activate the brain’s ability to resolve these concerns. It is commonly used to treat trauma and PTSD. To learn more please visit the EMDR website.

Who will be providing the training?

We are contracting with EMDR Consulting to provide our training and consultation services. EMDR Consulting is an EMDRIA Approved training provider. Their approval status can be viewed on EMDRIA’s website. EMDRIA sets the standards and grants approval to individuals or organizations to provide EMDR Training.

How is this training offered?

This training program is designed to be 100% remote to remove all geographical barriers of access. The trainings will be held live on Zoom, and the course materials will be housed in online learning management system managed by EMDR Consulting.

What is included in the Basic Training Course?

• EMDR Consulting’s training manual and worksheets
• Online activities before, during, and after the training
• 20 hours of didactic (lecture) – in-class live learning
• 20 hours of experiential practice – in-class live learning
• 10 hours of group consultation
• Free downloadable audio and/or videos files of additional EMDR presentations
• Free membership to EMDR Consulting’s Clinician Listserv

What is EMDR Consultation?

EMDR consultation is a collaborative relationship between mental health clinicians that aims to help consultees learn and solidify their knowledge, skills, and decision-making process regarding EMDR therapy. 

Participants will need to complete a total of 20 consultation hours following their basic training. Out of these 20 hours, 10 hours must be individual consultations, while the remaining hours will be in a group consultation format.

Consultation calls are intended for EMDR-focused clinical support, EMDR-specific guidance, or EMDR integration support, but not for supervision.

Will I be certified after completing the EMDR Training course part 1 and 2?

No. Once you have completed EMDR Training, you are considered an EMDR-trained clinician, and you will receive a certificate of course completion. EMDRIA Certification in EMDR requires additional levels of continuing education and consultation in EMDR and is a separate process that begins after you have received your basic training certificate of course completion. The CE and consultation needed for certification is included in this comprehensive program.

What EMDRIA continuing education do I have to do?

To apply for full EMDR certification, you must take 12 hours of continuing education in addition to the basic training courses. We will have several course options for you to choose from so you can pick subjects that will closely align with your area of practice.

Does this training provide continuing education?

We offer social work, LPC, and MFT continuing education. We are currently applying for APA, NCC, CME, general CEU Peer Specialists, and CADC credits as well.

What is the cost of full EMDR certification?

• It is around $4,000 when you factor in the basic training, cost of consultation, 12 hours of EMDRIA-approved CE trainings, and the certification application fee. Qualified providers who meet program eligibility will receive all of these services for free.
• If you don’t meet the qualifications for this program, you may still enroll but will need to pay for the training and consultation services provided, as well as the CE courses and certification application fee. Self paying participants can choose to take just the training and not the full certification. Estimated total cost for full certification is around $4,000.

Who should take this training?

Social workers, licensed professional and nationally certified counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, drug and alcohol counselors, etc.

Instructors

George A. Tabb, Jr. MSW, LCSW, EMDR Certified Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, EMDRIA Basic Trainer.

George is a Veteran of the United States Navy, serving more than eight years as a Hospital Corpsman. George served a tour during the Gulf War and completed his Bachelor’s degree while on active duty. After leaving the Navy, George enrolled in graduate school, earning a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Howard University.

George was trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) by Roy Kiessling in 2016. At the time, George was working in community mental health, serving on an Assertive Community Team, Community Support team and providing Intensive In-home Therapy. Immediately, EMDR improved the assistance he was able to provide to clients and George knew that EMDR would be his modality of choice for addressing trauma. George also knew that he wanted to teach this process to other clinicians and began his journey from certification, to consultant, to trainer. George has been coaching, mentoring or training other clinicians in EMDR since 2017.

In addition to conducting EMDR trainings and consultation, George works in private practice in North Carolina, where he treats children, adolescents, adults and couples using EMDR therapy. Believing we are the captains of our own ships and architects of our own lives, George enjoys strength building, guiding, teaching and coaching others to a better place. George’s passion is to empower others is also his way of giving back for all those that have contributed to his success along his own journey.

Yunetta Spring Smith is CEO and founder of Spring Forth Counseling and Ground Breakers Coaching and Consulting

Yunetta Spring Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor, author, and international speaker. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised a military BRAT. She owns Spring Forth Counseling and Ground Breakers Coaching and Consulting and founded the first BIPOC EMDR therapy directory. Yunetta was trained in EMDR in 2017 and has been moving forward since. She has grown to become an EMDR-certified therapist, an EMDRIA advanced trainer, an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Coach, and she’s an EMDRIA Approved trainer. Yunetta works with children who live in adult bodies, meaning she works closely with individuals impacted by childhood, racial, religious, and military-related trauma. Yunetta strongly emphasizes race, culture, and identity in her consultations, training, and overall therapeutic approach. Yunetta has worked in various settings, including community mental health agencies, crisis response teams, private practices, child development centers, schools, and military installations. Her broad experiences have shaped her integrative approach to EMDR, setting the foundation for her goal to make EMDR more accessible and relatable to underserved communities. Yunetta is a groundbreaker, a stigma breaker, and a cycle breaker whose intention is to cultivate culturally sensitive spaces for healing, wholeness, compassion, and change through the power of EMDR.

Noshima Darden-Tabb, MSW, LCSW (she/her/hers) certified Health Coach is also EMDR Certified and a Consultant in Training.

She began coaching with EMDR trainings and consulting other clinicians in 2022. Noshima works in private practice where she works with women, couples and LGBTQ BIPOC young adult women. Prior to private practice, Noshima’s experience included community health and research settings. Noshima enjoys utilizing EMDR to assist clients in making connections and shifting perspectives to improve their overall health and wellness.

Beverly Everett, MA LCMHC started her EMDR journey in 2018.

She has been coaching for over one year and is currently a consultant in training.  She works with a variety of populations in therapy. The age range that she serves starts from “the cradle to grave” which starts as young as 4 years of age to the very mature population. Beverly works with individuals, couples and first responders. She started out working with children in community mental health in day treatment settings and currently works in a private group practice, in Winston- Salem, NC.  

Carol Ann Rupeka MS, LPC/MHSP, NCC, Life Skills Educator,  EMDRIA Trained, Certified and Approved Consultant since. 2009

She has been coaching EMDR since 2017. Carol Ann has a practice in Knoxville, TN. She specializes in Addiction, Trauma and Ego State Therapy.  She is dedicated to helping people overcome challenges and live productive meaningful lives.

Dr. Yvett Roby is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi.

She is a Certified EMDR Therapist, Approved Consultant and a Trainer-in-Training. Dr. Roby has engaged in EMDR coaching with various trainers for the past five years. She has experience working in community mental health settings, university-based counseling centers and private practice. Dr. Roby specializes in trauma, grief, and intimate partner violence.

Anthony Naguiat, LCMHC, LMHC, MCAP (he/him) is licensed in North Carolina and Florida.

He became an EMDRIA CIT in 2020 consulting those working toward certification and earned Approved Consultant status in 2022. He began coaching/facilitating with EMDR Consulting in 2023. He is currently in solo private practice virtually and works with adult clients, CPTSD and trauma, Suicide loss bereavement, and LGBTQIA folx.”

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to emdr@pitt.edu