Resources and Further Reading

The links below point to authoritative, primary sources on EMDR, PTSD, and trauma care. We are not affiliated with any of these organizations; they are listed because they are reputable and freely accessible. Always weigh general information against advice from a qualified clinician who knows your situation.

Get help now

If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number. In the United States, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. The SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) offers free, confidential treatment referral and information around the clock. If you are outside the United States, search for your national crisis line or contact your local health service.

Professional EMDR associations

• EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) — standards, public education, and a Find a Therapist directory.
• EMDR Institute — the training organization founded by Francine Shapiro.

Government and public health

• National Institute of Mental Health — PTSD.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — National Center for PTSD.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
• World Health Organization — international guidance on stress-related conditions.

Clinical guidelines and research bodies

• American Psychological Association — PTSD treatment guideline.
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) — PTSD guideline.
• International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS).

Support for specific groups

Some people benefit from resources tailored to their circumstances. Veterans and service members can find dedicated information and self-help tools through the National Center for PTSD. Parents and caregivers looking into trauma treatment for a child or teenager should seek clinicians trained specifically in working with young people. In every case, a licensed local provider who can assess an individual situation is the most reliable guide.

Books and general reading

Several well-regarded, general-audience books on trauma and its treatment exist, and a good library or bookseller can point you to current titles. When choosing one, favor authors who are licensed clinicians or established researchers, check the publication date so the science is reasonably current, and remember that a book is a supplement to — not a replacement for — individualized professional care. Be wary of any title promising a quick, guaranteed cure.

How to use these sources

When you read about any treatment, prefer primary sources (the organizations above) over anonymous articles, note the publication date, and be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed cures or selling a miracle product. If a claim on the wider web is not reflected by these bodies, treat it skeptically. For a grounding in the basics before you dive in, start with What Is EMDR? and The Evidence Base.