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Extinguish PTSD Fund

Supporting those who support our mission.

Sponsoring mental health providers to attend specialized training to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Applications are now closed for 2024 submissions.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors we have sent 3 Rhode Island based therapist to attend EMDR training!

What is it?

The Extinguish PTSD Fund is a grant program awarded to mental health providers licensed in Rhode Island and/or Massachusetts. This grant currently covers the expenses for providers to attend Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Basic Training or Certification and the cost of one first responder-related continuing education course.

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We take care of the cost so that these providers can care for our first responders.

Why we created it

  • To increase access to evidence-based treatment for PTSD.

  • To increase the number of providers educated in the unique culture and trauma exposures/stress injuries that our first responders face.

  • The founder's personal experience with the effectiveness of EMDR Therapy.

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How does EMDR work?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. EMDR therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes, showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences.

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The American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs/Dept. of Defense, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the World Health Organization among many other national and international organizations recognize EMDR therapy as an effective treatment.

Additional info and requirements

  • Applicant must demonstrate an understanding of AAFRF’s mission.

  • Must meet all requirements to be eligible to participate in EMDR Basic Training or EMDR Certification.

  • All training must be EMDRIA-certified.

  • The award recipient must complete EMDR Basic Training or EMDR Certification within six months of receiving funds.

  • In addition to EMDR Basic Training, the award recipient must complete one first responder-focused continuing education course within the calendar year of receiving funds. This requirement can be waived if already working extensively with first responders.

  • Commitment to being a part of AAFRF’s resources network for one year after completion of training.

  • Commitment to accepting health insurance while in AAFRF's resources network.

  • If awarded, the recipient must submit a headshot and thank you written statement or video for AAFRF to share with our donors.

  • Disclaimer: Applying does not guarantee funding.

How to apply

Open Enrollment - February 1, 2024 - March 1, 2024.

 

NOTICE: The 2024 Budget allows funding for two applicants.

 

To apply, send an email to info@aafrf.org with the following information:

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  • An updated resume.

  • Copy of RI and/or MA professional license(s).

  • A personal statement regarding your motivation for pursuing EMDR Basic Training or EMDR Certification and your experience/interest in working with the first responder population.

  • Your selected EMDR Basic Training or EMDR Certification course and one first-responder-focused continuing education course.

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