Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need certification? I have an advanced degree and/or state license that qualifies me to treat trauma victims.
Survivors need to know they can find specialized help. ATSS Certification recognizes that you have specialized education and experience in treating traumatic stress. Indeed, your existing credentials are valuable in assisting ATSS in maintaining integrity and professionalism among trauma treatment providers. ATSS is committed to providing professional recognition, which acknowledges your commitment to quality trauma treatment.
Should trauma treatment specialists establish and control their own standards of excellence and accountability?
While ATSS is dedicated to setting standards of excellence for improved response to trauma victims, ATSS does not take the position that anyone must be certified or that only certified members can provide services. Although you should establish and control your own standards and accountability, an ATSS certification acknowledges your commitment to the highest standard of trauma treatment.
Is ATSS certification available to individuals who do not provide clinical treatment to trauma victims?
Yes. ATSS is an international membership association committed to recognizing the specialized education and experience and skill of individuals who provide trauma response, treatment and services. We welcome individuals, volunteers, students, retirees and agency/teams within our membership ranks who represent law enforcement, military, clergy, victim services, disaster work, public safety, firefighting, health care, employee assistance, business and industry, social work, medicine, research, education, government ~ anyone interested in providing services to victims and survivors of traumatic stress.
What are the benefits of ATSS membership?
Three distinct internationally recognized certifications for eligible members:
- Certified Trauma Specialist (CTS)
- Certified Trauma Responder (CTR)
- Certified Trauma Services Specialist (CTSS)
How can I become a member?
Contact ATSS by telephone, email or fax. You may download and send or fax the membership form
Are there other membership benefits?
- Newsletter, Trauma Lines
- ATSS eNews
- Broadcast Emails
- Publication Opportunities
- Speaker and Workshop Opportunities
- "Member of the Month" Opportunities
- Networking with other trauma specialists & professionals
- Discount for conferences
- Education and Training
- Regional Workshops
- Publications and trauma-specific brochures
- Website services
- Research and training resources
- Membership Credential Certificate
Where can I get training that meets the educational requirements for certifications?
As a member of ATSS, you will automatically receive notice of, and member rates for our international conference, regional workshops and specialized training. This training meets the criteria for accredited course work.
Are there other agencies or organizations that provide training consistent with ATSS certification requirements and/or conference CEUs?
- International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF)
- National Organization of Victim Assistance (NOVA)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- American Red Cross
- Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS)
- Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
- Traumatic Incident Reduction Association (TIRA)
- Wings of Light
- Family Violence and Sexual Assault Institute (FVSAI)
- Thought Field Therapy (TFT)
- Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
- International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)
- K-9 Disaster Relief Foundation
Where can I find the web sites or links to organizations?
ATSS can link you to many organizations, agencies and foundations.
Is other training available?
Yes. ATSS has training performed by Certified Trauma Specialists. It also offers other education courses related to traumatic stress, response and services.
What is a sponsor?
An ATSS sponsor for all three certifications, CTS, CTR or CTSS is a member in good standing that has achieved CTS certification, has been trained by the Certification Board, and is familiar with the certification process for all three designations.
A member, who has achieved CTR certification, is in good standing, has been trained by the Certification Board and is familiar with the certification process for CTR recognition.
A member, who has achieved CTSS certification, is in good standing, has been trained by the Certification Board and is familiar with the certification process for CTSS recognition.
Do I need to find my own sponsor?
ATSS has sponsors that can assist you with the certification process for CTS, CTR, CTSS. You can email or call ATSS International Offices in New Jersey USA and request a sponsor. The sponsor assists a certification applicant in the certification process and reviews the applicant's materials to ensure they are complete and appropriate before submission to the Certification Board.
I have other questions ~ how do I contact ATSS?
You can email Admin@ATSS.info or fill out the Question Form.