Note: Please do not contact us asking for the names of therapists. We do not keep lists of therapists in any country as we are an international site and do not have the resources. Instead, there are databases to help you locate a therapist listed below, as well as forms to help you in your search. The other option is simply to Google your location and “trauma therapist.”

Types of Therapists

• Psychiatrists: Medical Doctors (MD) who have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems, and can prescribe medication.

• Psychologists: Hold a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), PsyD (Doctor of Psychology), or EdD (Doctor of Education) and 4 years graduate training in clinical or counseling psychology and another 1 to 2 years of supervised clinical experience to be licensed to practice. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication.

• Masters level clinicians: Hold either a MA (Master of Arts), MS (Master of Sciences), LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Clinician), MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist), MSW (Master of Social Work) or LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker). Most of these programs are under 2 years and involve far less supervised training hours than psychologists.

• A note about trauma coaches: It is worthwhile emphasizing that trauma coaches coach while therapists provide treatment. Coaches are not regulated or trained to the same extent as mental health therapists . Coaching may well be effective and helpful for some survivors, just be aware of the differences between the two.

Depending on the type of therapist you see, you may require a referral from your General Physician (GP) who may or may not be familiar with Complex PTSD.  As such, it may be helpful to take the Fact Sheet about Complex Trauma for GPs developed by the Blue Knot Foundation.  There are also a number of forms here you can complete and take along with you to help your GP assess/diagnose you.  You may also find our downloadable form Locating a Trauma Therapist useful.