★ PTSDIY · Field Manual ★ Part VI ★
Chapter 30
Finding and vetting a therapist
Interview them like a hire
FM 30-THR-3011–3 weeks
30-1.Mission brief
The right therapist, trained in the right treatment, matters more than almost anything else in this manual. You are allowed to interview them, ask hard questions, and switch if it isn't working.
30-2.Intel
The treatments in Part IV have the strongest evidence, but only when delivered by someone trained in them. The relationship with your therapist also predicts outcomes.
30-3.Credentials decoded
| Credential | What it means |
|---|---|
| Psychiatrist (MD/DO) | Medical doctor; prescribes medication, may or may not do therapy |
| Psychologist (PhD/PsyD) | Doctoral-level therapy and assessment |
| LCSW, LPC, LMFT | Licensed master's-level therapists; many are excellent trauma specialists |
| Psychiatric NP (PMHNP) | Prescribes medication |
Training in a specific treatment (CPT, PE, EMDR) matters more than the letters after a name.
30-4.Field procedures — the screening call
| 01 | Ask about training"Which trauma treatments are you trained in?" Listen for CPT, PE, EMDR or WET by name. |
| 02 | Ask about experience"How many people with PTSD have you treated? Any with my background?" |
| 03 | Ask about the plan"What would treatment look like, and how long?" A clear answer is a good sign. |
| 04 | Ask about logisticsCost, insurance, telehealth, availability. |
| 05 | Trust your gutAfter three sessions, do you feel respected and understood? If not, switch. |
30-5.Where to look
| Route | Notes |
|---|---|
| VA medical centers and Vet Centers | Trained in CPT and PE; Vet Centers don't require VA enrollment |
| VA Community Care | Lets eligible veterans see outside providers when VA access is limited |
| Online directories | Filter by "trauma and PTSD" and by treatment type |
| Employee assistance programs | Free short-term sessions and referrals through many employers |
30-6.Common faults & corrections
| ✕ | Fault: Staying with a bad fit out of politenessCorrection: Switching therapists is normal. It's your recovery. |
PTSDIY · FM 30-THR-301 · Part VI30