The Association of Trauma Stress Specialists (ATSS) is an international organization headquartered in Verona, New Jersey. The organization partners with adult victim advocates, grief counselors, marriage and family counselors and professionals that treat post-traumatic stress along with other disorders. Three levels of certification are sponsored by the association. Holding workshops and conferences to educate members is the primary mission of the ATSS.
ATSS members can obtain certifications based on education and experience. Individuals trained in critical incident intervention, emergency response and debriefing are candidates for the accreditation of Certified Trauma Responder (CTR). Candidates must have a high school diploma and 72 hours of critical crisis training, along with a supervisor's recommendation and a referral letter from a sponsoring member. These documents should be mailed to the association along with a certification fee. Recertification for the CTR occurs every three years. Continuing education of at least 30 hours is necessary to hold a valid certification.
The second level of certification established by the ATSS is a Certified Trauma Services Specialist (CTSS). Eligibility requirements include proof of one year in a field related to trauma and crisis intervention. The certification does not specifically mandate a bachelor's degree. If the applicant has college transcripts, these should be sent in along with the application, fee, sponsor and supervisor recommendations, and proof of 72 hours of related training. Recertification is consistent with a CTR, requiring 30 hours of additional training every three years.
An appropriate certification for seasoned professionals who work in the trauma recovery field is a Certified Trauma Specialist (CTS). Members of the ATSS who can document 2000 working hours of experience in trauma counseling, 50 hours of mentor counseling and 240 hours of specialized training are eligible to apply. A college degree is not a requirement if the professional can prove equivalent education and provide a state medical health license and a copy of his malpractice insurance policy.
Although the ATSS certifications do not specifically call for a degree, to enter the counseling profession, formal education and advanced study is highly recommended. Colleges and universities offer degrees and graduate studies in trauma counseling. Ottawa University in Phoenix, Arizona, created a specialty program to teach theory and skills related to the comprehensive treatment of all forms of traumatic stress. Participating students earn a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling.