Searchable Databases for Therapists

Kizzie · January 29, 2015, 08:53:35 PM

A common problem for many of us seems to be locating a therapist who is trained in and experienced with treating Complex PTSD specifically. The diagnosis is relatively new; it was only recently accepted by the World Health Organization for the new edition of it's diagnostic manual, the ICD-11 which will be published in 2022. The diagnosis is not yet in the other diagnostic manual widely used, the American Psychiatric Association's DSM.

The searchable databases below are free of charge and can help you narrow down available therapists. You will note that few if any identify Complex PTSD in the conditions they treat, but will list "PTSD/trauma" and/or causes of relational trauma such as ongoing childhood abuse or domestic violence. What is important is to locate a professional who treats Complex PTSD versus PTSD. PTSD has three symptoms whereas Complex PTSD has six so there are important differences in treatment.

There is an OOTS form "Locating a Trauma Therapist" that you may find useful in your search. This resource from the Sidran Institute may also be helpful (scroll down to "Alphabet Soup") - "How to Choose a Therapist"

International

Good Therapy - http://www.goodtherapy.org/find-therapist.html
The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) - https://isstd.connectedcommunity.org/network/network-find-a-professional
International Therapist Database - https://internationaltherapistdirectory.com/

United States/Canada

Psychology Today - http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_search.php
Theravive - http://www.theravive.com/ (US only)
Mental Health Match - https://mentalhealthmatch.com/ (US only)
American Psychological Association - http://locator.apa.org/ (US only)
eCounseling.com - https://www.e-counseling.com/find-a-therapist/ (US only)

United Kingdom

Directory of UK therapists who treat Complex Trauma See also The Complex Trauma Institute
UK Council for Psychotherapy - https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/

Note: If there is a database for the country you live in that's not listed here, please feel free to post it and I'll add it to the main list or PM me with the info.

wingnut · January 29, 2015, 09:48:40 PM

I searched "http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_search.php" and they don't have C-PTSD as an option -'Trauma and PTSD', yes.
Oddly, even Google doesn't recognize it because I did a search on "c-ptsd therapist" in the town near me and it only brought back PTSD results. I'm sure there are experts out there, but the search engine used may not provide the option. It's silly.

Kizzie · January 30, 2015, 04:14:53 AM

Odd isn't it as I do see "Complex Trauma" used a lot if not CPTSD. But we're in the DSM under PTSD so I guess that may be one reason. Anyway, tks for the link WN, I'll add it to the list above.

SadieMist · August 06, 2015, 06:00:12 AM

This isn't specific to CPTSD but it might help someone narrow the search to clinicians that specialize in trauma work as all EMDR therapists have at least some training in trauma.

https://www.emdr.com/find-a-clinician/

Kizzie · August 07, 2015, 08:17:24 PM

Hi SadieMist - thanks for the link!

I just wanted to note that this DB is for T's who use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). You need to ensure that the T has specialized training in Complex PTSD as most have training in treating PTSD which is somewhat different. (That said, many of us have both PTSD and CPTSD, so if that's the case just ensure your T can treat both in an appropriate manner using EMDR).

TheGoodChild · June 06, 2016, 05:57:36 PM

Hi folks.
I am brand new to the forum, so I'm probably going to make some newbie mistakes.
I just moved from the SF Bay Area to the NYC/Northern NJ area. I am looking for a therapist who understands and/or specializes in C-PTSD. I was wondering if anyone in the group can make a recommendation for a therapist in NYC or close to NYC. Thanks! Best way to reach me is at my email: JeffKramer99@gmail.com
Thank you!

Kizzie · June 07, 2016, 03:41:15 PM

Hi and a warm welcome to OOTS GoodChild

Hopefully there will be a member who does know a good T in your area but if not the searchable databases in the first post might be helpful. If there are trauma informed therapists anywhere it would likely be where you are.

Are you OK with having your personal email in the forum? We encourage members not to include personal info because it is the internet and there are trolls and such. If anyone does have a recommendation they can just use the PM (Personal Message) function to send you the info and a number will pop up beside "My Messages" at the top of the screen if someone responds. If you do want to delete your email add in your post, just hit "Modify" under "Actions on the right side of the post and you take it out.

Hope you find a great T

Griflette · March 18, 2020, 04:42:26 AM

Here's a list of UK Council for Psychotherapy registered / regulated therapists, you can search by topic and EMDR is on the list too if people are seeking that specifically: https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/

Kizzie · March 20, 2020, 05:28:26 PM

Tks Griflette!

Eris · June 10, 2020, 12:44:03 PM

Thanks for posting these resources Kizzy - they have been so helpful!!! Eris